Facilitating Electronic Exchange of Proprietary Information

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus effectuates bilateral commerce in ideas. An originator and user-driven on-line commercial network system is designed to facilitate idea submission, purchase, and licensing, and is easily adapted to business-to-business transfers of innovation as well as consumer-to-business transfers of innovation. The invention allows originators of ideas to communicate nondisclosing synopses of ideas globally to potential users, for users conveniently to search for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind an originator to a limited duration license granting user the exclusive right to access and consider confidentially the originator&#39;s fully disclosed idea. The invention also allows users to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentially unsolved problems or needs globally to potential originators, for originators conveniently to search for relevant unsolved problems or needs, and for originators to submit and communicate confidentially proposed solutions to the soliciting user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 11/379,926, 11/379,930, and 11/379,935, all filed Apr. 24,2006, which are continuations of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/854,653, filed May 24, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/747,748, filed Dec. 22, 2000, which claims thebenefit of U.S. provisional patent application 60/173,170, filed Dec.27, 1999, which are incorporated by reference along with all otherreferences cited in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The method and apparatus of the present invention relate to electroniccontract applications using electronic networks.

Innovation in the past two decades has been unprecedented. Innovation isimportant in facilitating economic growth, enhancing standards ofliving, spreading creativity, and the arts. Today, the Internet is thefastest growing communications tool in the history of the world;tomorrow, the Internet will be the primary communications tool for theentire world. Full-time instantaneous access to every waking person:this is the future. With the Internet, ideas may be communicated betweenparties more quickly.

With the ease of the communication of ideas today and in the futurethrough the Internet or other similar communications networks andmediums, there are also shortcomings. Innovators worry that their ideasmight be misappropriated or nonconfidentially disclosed. People whorequire innovations do not have a place to solicit other's ideas orconfidentially list their requirements. These are just some of the manyshortcomings of communicating ideas over a medium such as the Internet.

Furthermore, the deficiencies in the prior art include, but are notlimited to, lack of standardized commercial and contractualrelationships; lack of industry and trade practices applicable across amultitude of industry segments; lack of clear submission criteria; lackof binding, universally applicable confidential disclosure means; lackof efficient and accessible enforcement means; inability to identifyaccurately likely users capable of implementing the idea or innovation;uncertainty in legal obligations between originator and user; theinability to identify relevant ideas prior to gaining access to a fullydisclosed idea; and inability to identify relevant ideas prior togaining access to a fully disclosed idea.

Current user-driven innovation transfer protocols are likewise limitedin application. Companies of all sizes and in all industries face thesame problem-how to access effectively and efficiently externally andinternally generated innovation without the attendant unmanageableexposure to potential liability for alleged misappropriation. Usersdesiring access to externally (i.e., innovation generated bynonemployees) and internally (innovation generated by employees andconsultants) generated innovation face significant barriers, transactioncosts, and legal liability.

With respect to externally generated ideas, users often lack theresources and expertise required to filter and screen efficientlyexternal, unsolicited idea submissions. Users fear that originators whohave submitted ideas to them may later claim that the user'simplementation of similar concepts or ideas are substantially similarto, based on, or are derivatives of those ideas disclosed to the user bythe originator. Users fear that a user's independently createdinnovation may be subject to legal claims of originators who previouslyhave submitted similar ideas to the user. The key to facilitatingsubmission of innovation originated outside the organization is creatingan innovation transfer tool that effectively and efficiently manages theflow of innovation and the legal relationship between originator anduser.

With respect to internally generated ideas, originators often lacksufficient compensatory incentives to disclose potentially valuableideas. Existing proprietary innovation transfer protocols for thetransfer of internally generated innovation typically consist of littlemore than a suggestion box in which employee originators are asked tosubmit ideas (e.g., cost savings methods, new business methods, productor service improvements, business opportunities, advertising slogans,etc.) for use by the employer user. Typically, employer users willimplement a nonbinding policy whereby the employer user indicates that,while it shall not be under any legal obligation to compensate theemployee originator for the use or implementation of the employeeoriginator's idea, the employer user will gratuitously compensate theemployee originator for submitted ideas that impart significant value tothe employer user. The gratuitous compensation is generally subject toan upper-limit and is determined in the sole discretion of the employeruser. As a result, such idea submission programs and innovation transferprotocols fail to provide adequate incentive for employee originators todevelop and disclose potentially valuable ideas and are necessarilyunilateral and nonbinding. The present invention addresses thedeficiencies in the prior art by empowering employee originators withthe ability to negotiate at arms length with employer users as to the“reasonable compensation” to be paid for the employer user's use of theidea. The present invention allows for and facilitates bilateralcommerce in employee-originator developed ideas.

The deficiencies in the prior art include the inability of smallerbusinesses and individuals to communicate globally to potentialoriginators confidential RFPs; the inability of originators to searchefficiently and effectively for relevant RFPs; the inability of smallerorganizations or individuals to identify efficiently and effectivelywilling originators and to obtain and access proposals and potentialsolutions; and the inability of originators to communicate efficientlyand effectively proposed solutions globally and confidentially tosmaller organizations and individuals.

Therefore, there is a need to utilize the power of the Internet and toallow for the implementation of a unique business model to manageeffectively and efficiently a marketplace for raw ideas-in short, tomanage innovation. There is need to allow novice and expert innovatorsalike to present confidentially or nonconfidentially their ideas,innovations and inventions directly or globally to individuals andcompanies capable of implementing the innovation and possessing theresources needed to exploit the opportunity.

As can be seen, a method and apparatus are needed to provide anelectronic marketplace of ideas and confidential ideas over a network orsystem like the Internet.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuatingbilateral commerce in ideas. The present invention is both anoriginator- and user-driven on-line commercial network system designedto facilitate idea submission, purchase, and licensing and is easilyadapted to business-to-business (B2B) transfers of innovation as well asconsumer-to-business (C2B) transfers of innovation. The invention allowsoriginators of ideas to communicate nondisclosing synopses of ideasdirectly or globally to potential users, for users conveniently tosearch for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind anoriginator to a license granting the user the right to access andconsider confidentially the originator's fully disclosed idea. Theinvention also allows users to communicate confidentially ornonconfidentially unsolved problems or needs globally to potentialoriginators, for originators conveniently to search for relevantunsolved problems or needs and for originators to submit and communicateconfidentially proposed solutions to the soliciting user.

In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes acontroller that receives ideas from originators. The controllerclassifies the ideas according to topic, industry, intended user, orother characteristic or input variable and makes a nondisclosingsynopsis (summary or description) of the ideas available individuallyand/or globally to one or more potential users. Potential users have theoption to review all nondisclosing synopses or define relevant searchcriteria that is utilized by the controller's search engine to searchthe fully disclosed idea database and display relevant nondisclosingsynopses with a corresponding relevancy rank. Potential users may accessthe fully disclosed idea that corresponds to the chosen nondisclosingsynopsis and thereby bind both the user and the originator to a licenseagreement granting the user the right to access and consider the fullydisclosed idea on the terms contained in the license. The relevancy rankallows potential users to access only relevant fully disclosed ideas andrank or prioritize the nondisclosing synopses that seem to meet thepotential user's criteria. In this manner, users do not have to accessthose fully disclosed ideas for which the user has no desire to reviewand consider, thus reducing any potential exposure to liability formisappropriation with respect to fully disclosed ideas not accessed bythe user.

In an alternative embodiment, the user is not granted access to thefully disclosed idea unless and until the originator grants theidentifiable user access. In this embodiment, the user, upon attemptingto access the fully disclosed idea, is informed by the system thatauthorization from the corresponding originator is required. The user isthen requested by the system to input identifying and other requiredinformation. The corresponding originator is notified by the centralcontroller that a user desires access to the fully disclosed idea. Thenotification contains the relevant identifying and other informationabout the user. If the originator does not wish this particular user toaccess the fully disclosed idea, the user is informed by the centralcontroller that access has been denied. If the originator approves ofthe user, the user is notified by the central controller that access hasbeen granted.

In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes acontroller that receives ideas from originators. The controllerclassifies the ideas according to topic, industry, intended user orother characteristic or input variable and makes a nondisclosingsynopsis (summary or description) of the ideas available globally topotential users. Potential users then have the option to access thefully disclosed ideas and thereby bind both the user and the originatorto a license granting the user the right to access and consider thefully disclosed idea according to the terms of the license agreement.Users desiring to commercially exploit or otherwise utilize theoriginator's fully disclosed idea will negotiate directly with theoriginator for an exclusive or nonexclusive license, option, preemptiveright or assignment of the idea utilizing current chat, voice-telephonyor other electronically or web-enabled communication means.

In another embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes acontroller that receives detailed descriptions of users' unmet needs orunsolved problems. The controller classifies the unmet needs or unsolvedproblems according to topic, industry, intended originator, or othercharacteristic or input variable and makes a nondisclosing synopsis(summary or description) of the unmet needs or unsolved problemsavailable directly or globally to potential users. Potential originatorshave the option to access the fully disclosed unmet needs or unsolvedproblems and thereby bind both the user and the originator to a licensegranting the originator the right to access and consider the fullydisclosed unmet need or unsolved problem according to the terms of thelicense agreement. Originators desiring to propose solutions to thesoliciting users' unmet needs or unsolved problems will submit to thecentral controller or directly to the soliciting users, proposedsolutions to the users' unmet needs or unsolved problems. Such proposedsolutions are submitted and communicated to the soliciting users in thesame manner described above for originators submitting ideas. Solicitingusers then access the originator's proposed solution in the same mannerdescribed above for users accessing ideas of originators. Users desiringto implement or otherwise use an originator's proposed solution willnegotiate directly with the originator to determine the terms of useand/or implementation utilizing current chat, voice-telephony or otherelectronically or web-enabled communication means.

The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications onthe Internet as well as conventional communications systems such asvoice telephony and facsimile.

In one originator-driven embodiment of this invention, communicationsbetween originators and users are conducted using an electronic networkand central controller. An originator who desires to post, license orsell an idea accesses the central controller located on a remote server;The originator submits electronically the fully disclosed idea (“FDI”),creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the idea (“NDS(FDI)”), and specifiesthe subject matter of the idea that he or she desires to be postedand/or the intended user whom the originator believes to have aparticular interest in and/or use for the originator's FDI.

For example, a typical FDI might be an original screenplay for afeature-length comedy. The specified subject matter would be “motionpicture” and a potential intended user would be Universal Studios. Theoriginator of the screenplay would submit to the central controller theentire screenplay in text format or as an electronic file attachmentsuch as a Microsoft Word document file. The originator would then, withthe assistance of standardized submission guidelines, electronicsubmission forms, helpful on-line hints and current artificialintelligence technology, create a nondisclosing synopsis of thescreenplay comprising a log line or brief summary of its key components,intended to disclose only enough of the screenplay's substance as isnecessary to entice potential users (e.g., studio executives or motionpicture producers). This nondisclosing synopsis may be in text form,video, audio, interactive hypertext or other media capable of electronictransmission. The originator may, but is not required to, input orcommunicate to the central controller additional information such as theoriginator's identity, originator's qualifications and credits, reserveprice or other conditions the originator may require. For example, theoriginator may be an experienced and well-known screenwriter and maywish to disclose originator's identity and film credits. Originator mayalso designate a minimum reserve price, which in the movie industry maybe the minimum option price for the script or screenplay.

Originator then attaches an originator identification (such as user nameand password) to the FDI and transmits the FDI, NDS(FDI) and otherdisclosed information to the central controller. Under the presentinvention, the FDI, NDS(FDI) and other information may be transmittedvia numerous means including a world-wide-web interface, electronicmail, voice mail, facsimile, courier or postal mail. Prior to acceptingthe FDI, NDS(FDI) and other information, central controller communicatesthe terms of a standardized submission agreement to the originator. Ifthe originator refuses the terms of the submission agreement, the FDI,NDS(FDI), and other information is returned to the originator and nofurther action is taken by central controller. If the originator agreesto the terms of the submission agreement, central controller assigns anoriginator identification number unique to the specified originator anda unique tracking number to that originator's FDI. The FDI iscommunicated to and retained in a secure FDI database. Beforecommunicating the NDS(FDI) and other information to potential users,central controller authenticates the originator's identification numberagainst an originator database. The central controller then assigns aunique tracking number to the NDS(FDI) and other information whichcorresponds to the FDI tracking number and globally displays theNDS(FDI) and other information in a manner that is available to beviewed by any interested potential users.

In an alternative embodiment, the NDS(FDI) and other information isdisplayed solely to one or more intended users. NDS(FDI)s may bedisplayed by subject, industry or other category to make it easier forpotential users to identify relevant NDS(FDI)s. Thus, a user could logonto a web site, for example, and see a listing of NDS(FDI) subject,industry or other categories. The user could then choose a particularcategory and have the ability to browse available NDS(FDI)s thatcorrespond to such category. In an alternative embodiment, users can useartificial intelligence protocols and search engines to identifyrelevant NDS(FDI)s. In one embodiment, users may be required to providequalifications in order to view the NDS(FDI)s in a given category.

If, after reviewing a particular NDS(FDI), a potential user wishes toaccess the corresponding FDI, that user communicates this intent to thecentral controller. Upon receipt by central controller of user'sresponse, central controller communicates to user the terms of access asprovided in an on-line license agreement granting user the right toreview and consider the FDI. If user refuses the terms of the licenseagreement, access to the FDI is denied by central controller. If useragrees to the terms of the license agreement, central controllertime-stamps user's response and authenticates user's identity and user'squalifications to determine if user's qualifications meet any conditionsimposed by the originator as to which users may obtain access to theFDI. The system then verifies that the NDS(FDI) is still “active” andthat the FDI is capable of being accessed. If user meets all conditions,central controller communicates the FDI to user and changes status ofthe corresponding FDI to “licensed.” Central controller assigns a uniquetracking number to user's response and stores it in a user responsedatabase. In one embodiment subsequent users will be able to access a“licensed” FDI. In another embodiment the user that licensed the FDI isgranted an unlimited period of time in which to review and consider theFDI. Central controller then communicates a license confirmation to theoriginator and the user.

In one embodiment, the originator may specify that access to an FDI belimited to one user at a time. In this embodiment, the accessing user isgiven a limited period of time to review and consider the FDI (e.g., 48hours). In the event that the accessing user decides not to license,purchase or otherwise acquire the rights to the FDI, the accessing useris denied further access and the FDI is made available to a subsequentuser for exclusive review and consideration.

If a user desires to obtain the right to use the FDI or otherwise anoption, license, preemptive right, or assignment of the FDI, that userproposes terms of an FDI transfer agreement and communicates the offerto central controller. Central controller receives proposed FDI transferagreement and assigns a unique tracking number. FDI transfer agreementstatus is set to “active.” FDI transfer agreement is stored in FDItransfer agreement database and then transmitted to the originator forreview and consideration. If originator does not bind user by acceptingthe proposed terms of the FDI transfer agreement, FDI transfer agreementis transmitted back to user and status of the FDI transfer agreementchanges to “completed.” User may then submit subsequent proposed FDItransfer agreements using the same procedure as outlined above. Iforiginator binds, the originator communicates acceptance of the FDItransfer agreement to central controller and status of the FDI transferagreement changes to “completed.”

In another embodiment, the terms of an FDI transfer agreement arespecified by the originator and included in the FDI transmitted to theuser. If user agrees to the terms of transfer and/or terms of useproposed by originator in the FDI, user communicates acceptance tocentral controller. Central controller time-stamps user's response andauthenticates user's identity and qualifications. The central controllerthen assigns a tracking number to user's response, and user's responseis stored in an FDI transfer agreement database. At this point, user andoriginator are parties to legally binding agreement.

In another embodiment, the central controller automatically manages thepayment system between user and originator. Various methods of paymentsmay be utilized by the invention, including credit cards, personalchecks, electronic funds transfer, debit cards, digital cash, etc. Thepayment system may also involve the use of an escrow account associatedwith the user wherein funds advanced by the user to cover the FDItransfer price agreed to in the FDI transfer agreement can be keptpending delivery of FDI and performance of any obligations by originatoras provided in the FDI transfer agreement.

The present invention is therefore a highly effective and efficientbilateral originator-driven commerce system. It improves the ability oforiginators to reach users desiring access to and use of originators'FDIs and improves users' ability to identify relevant FDIs.

The present invention has further user-driven applications in the formof the posting of unmet needs and unsolved problems. Current needsposting protocols are limited in application and usefulness.

Successful implementation of existing needs posting protocols requirescomplete, up-front disclosure of the unmet need or unsolved problem. Thepresent invention allows for and facilitates the posting of anondisclosing synopsis of the unmet need or unsolved problem as well asposting of a nondisclosing synopsis of the proposed solution.

In one user-driven embodiment of this invention, a user who desires topost a request for proposal comprising a fully disclosed unmet need orunsolved problem (“RFP”) accesses the central controller located on aremote server. The user electronically submits the RFP, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the RFP (“NDS(RFP)”) and specifies the subjectmatter of the RFP desired to be posted and/or the intended originatorwhom the user believes is capable of proposing solutions to the user'sRFP. For example, a typical RFP might be a request for method forformation of crystalline metal oxides at low temperatures. The specifiedsubject matter would be chemical process and a potential intendedoriginator would be the University of New Mexico.

The present invention is therefore a highly effective and efficientbilateral user-driven commerce system that improves the ability of usersto reach originators capable of satisfying users' unmet needs andunsolved problems and improves originators' ability to identify relevantRFPs and submit FDIs comprising a solution to users' RFPs.

The present invention can also be practiced in off-line embodimentsrather than electronic mail or web-based servers. Originators and usersmay communicate with central controller via telephone, facsimile,courier, postal mail or other off-line communications tools. Forexample, an originator may use a courier to submit FDIs and NDS(FDI)s tocentral controller which then compiles a list of available NDS(FDI)s fordistribution via courier to potential users. Users interested in arelevant NDS(FDI) and desiring access to a corresponding FDI maycommunicate a request to central controller which, after communicatingthe license agreement to user and receiving user's acceptance of thelicense agreement terms, delivers the FDI to user via courier.

In another on-line embodiment, cryptographic protocols are used toauthenticate the identity of originators and/or users and verify theintegrity of originator and user communications with the centralcontroller. Using cryptography and biometrics, the central controllercan make it significantly more difficult for unauthorized persons totamper with the system by passing themselves off as legitimateoriginators and users or intercepting and/or eavesdropping on systemcommunications.

What the present invention accomplishes, which no previous system hasdone before, is to create an effective and efficient marketplace forconfidential information.

The applicant is unaware of the existence of any commercially viablebilateral user- and originator-driven commercial systems thatincorporate the above features and address the deficiencies of the priorart. Therefore, it is one objective of the present invention to alloworiginators of ideas to communicate confidentially or nonconfidentiallynondisclosing synopses of ideas globally to potential users, for usersconveniently to search for relevant ideas and for users potentially tobind an originator to a license granting the user the right to accessand consider the originator's fully disclosed idea.

The present invention allows users to communicate confidentially ornonconfidentially nondisclosing synopses of RFPs globally to potentialoriginators, for originators conveniently to search for relevant RFPsand for originators potentially to bind a user to a license granting theuser the right to access and consider the user's fully disclosed RFP.

The present invention allows employee and nonemployee originators tocommunicate confidentially or nonconfidentially nondisclosing synopsesof ideas directly to relevant and intended users and to enable suchusers conveniently to search for and access both internally andexternally generated relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind anoriginator to a license granting the user the right to access andconsider the originator's fully disclosed idea.

The present invention allows for effective and efficient idea transfermanagement to be utilized by originators and users alike.

The present invention substantially reduces transaction and search costsassociated with idea transfer transactions to enable more innovation toemerge in the marketplace.

The present invention provides an effective and efficient arbitrationand tracking means to mitigate potential liability associated with ideatransfer transactions.

The present invention provides a negotiating means to allow theoriginator and user to negotiate the terms of the extended option,purchase, assignment or license of a fully disclosed idea.

In an embodiment, the invention is a method of using a computer toconduct a transaction between a user and an originator. A basicdescription and a corresponding detailed description of the user's unmetneed or unsolved problem are input into the computer. The originator ispermitted to access the basic description of the user's unmet needs orunsolved problems. For the basic description, the originator is providedan option to access the corresponding detailed description by agreeingto an on-line license agreement. The originator inputs into the computeran indication of agreement the on-line license agreement. The originatoris provided with access via the computer to the corresponding detaileddescription. The on-line license agreement may have be a limitedduration, exclusive license. After the originator has indicatedagreement to the on-line license agreement, other potential originatorsare disallowed from accessing the basic description and correspondingdescription for the duration of the license agreement. The correspondingdetailed description may be stored in the computer in encrypted form.The originator is provided with an access key to decrypt thecorresponding detailed description after agreeing to the licenseagreement.

In another embodiment, the invention is a method of using a computer toconduct a transaction between an originator and a user. A basicdescription and a corresponding detailed description of the originator'sproposal are input into the computer. The user is permitted to accessthe basic description of the originator's proposal. For the basicdescription, the user is provided an option to access the correspondingdetailed description by agreeing to an on-line license agreement. Theuser inputs into the computer an indication of agreement to the on-linelicense agreement. And, the originator is provided with access via thecomputer to the corresponding detailed description. The originator'sproposal is submitted in response to the user's unmet need or unsolvedproblem inputted and accessed using the computer. The on-line licenseagreement may be a limited duration, exclusive license. After the userhas indicated agreement to the on-line license agreement, otherpotential users are disallowed from accessing the basic description andcorresponding description for the duration of the license agreement. Thecorresponding detailed description may be stored in the computer inencrypted form. The user is provided with an access key to decrypt thecorresponding description after agreeing to the license agreement.

In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus to facilitatetransactions between a user and an originator. A computer includes aprocessor and storage device. A computer program causes the computer tostore using the storage device a basic description and a correspondingdetailed description of the user's unmet needs or unsolved problems. Thecomputer program causes the computer to allow the originator to accessthe basic description of the user's unmet needs or unsolved problems.The computer program causes the computer to allow the originator toaccess the corresponding detailed description by agreeing to an on-linelicense agreement.

In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus to facilitatetransactions between a user and an originator. A computer including aprocessor and storage devices. A computer program causes the computer tostore using the storage device a basic description and a correspondingdetailed description of the originator's proposal. The computer programcauses the computer to allow the user to access the basic description ofthe originator's proposal. The computer program causes the computer toallow the user to access the corresponding detailed description byagreeing to an on-line license agreement.

These and other features and embodiments of the present invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the invention, the accompanying drawings and the claims.The present invention provides efficient idea and intellectual assetsubmission, storage, distribution, screening, tracking and scoring. Thepresent invention facilitates identification of relevant ideas prior toviewing an FDI to reduce the likelihood of a user accessing irrelevantideas or accessing ideas already under development, previouslyconsidered or independently developed by the accessing user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a illustrates an originator-driven embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 b illustrates a user-driven embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the central controller.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the user interface.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the originator interface.

FIG. 5 a depicts an originator-driven embodiment showing the submissionof a fully disclosed idea, the creation of a nondisclosing synopsis, anduse of a submission agreement.

FIG. 5 b depicts a user-driven embodiment showing the submission of afully disclosed request for proposal, the creation of a nondisclosingsynopsis, and use of a submission agreement.

FIG. 6 a depicts an embodiment showing acceptance of an NDS(FDI) by thecentral controller.

FIG. 6 b depicts an embodiment showing acceptance of an NDS(RFP) by thecentral controller.

FIG. 7 a depicts an embodiment showing the activation of an NDS(FDI).

FIG. 7 b depicts an embodiment showing the activation of an NDS(RFP).

FIG. 8 a depicts an embodiment of the maintenance of active NDS(FDI)s.

FIG. 8 b depicts an embodiment of the maintenance of active NDS(RFP)s.

FIG. 9 a depicts an embodiment showing a user selecting an NDS(FDI),accepting the terms of a license agreement and accessing the associatedFDI.

FIG. 9 b depicts an embodiment showing an originator selecting anNDS(RFP), accepting the terms of a license agreement and accessing theassociated RFP.

FIGS. 10 a and 11 a depict an embodiment showing the binding of a userto the license agreement upon selecting an NDS(FDI) for further reviewas required to access the corresponding FDI.

FIGS. 10 b and 11 b depict an embodiment showing the binding of anoriginator to the license agreement upon selecting an NDS(RFP) forfurther review as required to access the corresponding RFP.

FIG. 12 a depicts a procedure for transferring the right to use the FDIto user.

FIG. 12 b depicts a procedure for proposing a solution to user's RFP touser.

FIG. 13 depicts a payment method.

FIGS. 14 a through 17 a depict a user authentication procedure usingconventional cryptographic protocols.

FIGS. 14 b through 17 b depict an originator authentication procedureusing conventional cryptographic protocols.

FIGS. 18 a and 19 depict an embodiment for proposing terms regarding thetransferring of the right to use an FDI to user and for transferring theright to use the FDI to user.

FIG. 18 b depicts the method for an originator to submit a proposedsolution to user's RFP, which solution comprises an FDI.

FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment showing the use of a trusted server and abonding agency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuatingbilateral commerce in ideas. The present invention is both anoriginator- and user-driven on-line commercial network system designedto facilitate idea submission, purchase and licensing and is easilyadapted to business-to-business transfers of innovation as well asconsumer-to-business transfers of innovation. The invention allowsoriginators of ideas to communicate nondisclosing synopses of ideasdirectly or globally to potential users, for users conveniently tosearch for relevant ideas and for users potentially to bind anoriginator to a license granting the user the right to access andconsider confidentially the originator's fully disclosed idea. Theinvention also allows users to communicate confidentially ornonconfidentially unsolved problems or needs globally to potentialoriginators, for originators conveniently to search for relevantunsolved problems or needs and for originators to submit and communicateconfidentially proposed solutions to the soliciting user.

By creating an Internet-based marketplace for ideas and confidentialinformation, the present invention will allow companies of all sizes andin all industries to identify and directly access internally andexternally generated innovation in a manner that (i) enablesconsideration of only relevant innovation, (ii) yields greater return oninvestment, and (iii) reduces search and transfer transaction costs

The present invention recognizes and embraces the power of the Internetand will allow for the implementation of a unique business model tomanage effectively and efficiently a marketplace for raw ideas-in short,to manage innovation. The present invention's web-enabled innovationtransfer management protocol will allow novice and expert innovatorsalike to present confidentially or nonconfidentially their ideas,innovations and inventions directly or globally to individuals andcompanies capable of implementing the innovation and possessing theresources needed to exploit the opportunity. By creating anInternet-based marketplace for ideas and confidential information, thepresent invention will allow companies of all sizes and in allindustries to identify and directly access internally and externallygenerated innovation in a manner that (i) enables consideration of onlyrelevant innovation, (ii) yields greater return on investment, and (iii)reduces search and transfer transaction costs.

It has been said that ideas are to the Information Age what iron ore andother raw materials were to the Industrial Age-only you can't put afence around ideas. Well, now you can. The present invention offersinnovators the fence needed to protect their raw ideas.

The present invention allows what no previous commercial system has everachieved-instantaneous access to the collective innovation of the globalcommunity. While the present invention allows for seamless,business-to-business and consumer-to-business transfers of fullydeveloped innovation, the truly amazing and far-reaching component ofthe innovation transfer management protocol is that by loweringtransaction costs associated with innovation transfer transactions, thesystem will enable even the smallest seed of innovative effort to bedirected to a relevant user. Individuals and businesses that do notcurrently have incentive to incur the expense of gaining access to usersof their innovation (i.e., cost of gaining access is too high andlikelihood of success is too low), will now have the opportunity topresent the innovation to potential users by incurring only nominalexpense. Individuals and consumers will use the system to post and pitchideas, inventions, product improvements, advertising slogans, sitcomepisode treatments, movie concepts and treatments, toy design concepts,book ideas and manuscripts, game concepts, etc. Small to medium-sizedbusinesses will use the system to post and pitch unimplementedinnovation (i.e., opportunities they are unable to pursue but that havevalue for another user), to gain access to innovation and also to postdescriptions of unmet needs and unsolved problems (Request forProposal—“RFP”) as a low-cost alternative to management and advertisingconsulting. Larger businesses will use the system to post and pitchunimplemented innovation, to gain access to new innovation, to reducereliance on internal research and development, to post RFPs and toestablish internal and external innovation transfer tools.

Undeveloped ideas are generally not protectible under Patent, Copyrightor Trademark law. Undeveloped ideas are not patentable because they haveyet to be reduced to practice, and ideas, whether developed orundeveloped, are not legally copyrightable or trademarkable. Copyrightprotection is directed towards the expression of the idea and not theidea itself. Trademark protection simply allows the owner of a mark usedto identify the owner's goods or services to prevent others from usingthe same or confusingly similar mark to identify the source of similargoods or services. While ideas are generally protected under TradeSecret Law, the ideas lose protectibility upon disclosure, unlessdisclosed for limited purposes and to a limited number of persons andonly if subject to a confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement.Furthermore, trade secret protection will not be available once the ideais brought to market or otherwise placed within the public domain. Ingeneral, a trade secret is anything and everything useful oradvantageous in business activity but not generally known or easilyascertainable by others in the trade. Therefore, undisclosed, novelideas not otherwise within the public domain are protectible under TradeSecret Law. Ideas within the public domain are never capable ofprotection under Trade Secret Law.

Developed ideas (e.g., reduced to practice) may not be patentable ifthey are not novel and/or are obvious extensions of the prior art.Nonnovel and obvious developed ideas may still be protectible underTrade Secret Law (provided they are not within the public domain), butsuch protection is necessarily subject to the same limitations as isprotection for undeveloped ideas. Namely, once disclosed, such ideasoften lose their protection.

Limited protection is available, however, for all ideas (whether in thepublic domain, disclosed or undisclosed) under a developing area of lawcommonly referred to as the Law of Undeveloped Ideas. Such protection islimited because the protection is applicable only as between contractingparties. This body of law enforces contractual obligations to pay theoriginator of a creative idea for its use. He who takes the benefit musttake the burden. The benefit in the case of idea disclosure is access tothe originator's ideas; the burden is that if the user decides toimplement the originator's idea, the user must pay for such use.

The Law of Undeveloped Ideas is somewhat of a misnomer, as the legalprinciples are applicable to developed and undeveloped ideas. The Law ofUndeveloped Ideas is a miscellaneous accumulation of state common-lawdecisions addressing a claimed right to compensation for a defendant'sunauthorized use of the plaintiff's idea. California, in part due to theprevalence of the entertainment industry, is leading the development ofthe principles under the Law of Undeveloped Ideas.

It is common practice in the motion picture, radio, television and otherindustries for originators to conceive and submit ideas for sale beforedeveloping a concrete literary composition or reducing the invention topractice. For example, it is customary for screenwriters or othercreators to submit stories, central themes, treatments and dramaticcores to producers and studios with the accepted understanding that suchsubmissions are for a limited and confidential purpose and that use willnot be made thereof unless there is appropriate payment by the produceror studio.

Another common example is evident in the toy industry. It is commonpractice in the toy industry for toy developers to “pitch” their ideasand concepts to toy marketing companies prior to reduction to practice.If the toy company likes the idea and anticipates commercialapplication, it will pay an advance to the developer either (i) tosecure immediately the exclusive marketing rights to products embodyingthe concept or idea, or (ii) to option the concept or idea and providefunds to the originator to develop a “proof of concept” or prototype.The scope of the idea is intentionally broad to cover all variations andderivative products resulting from or inspired by the original idea. Thetoy company is paying the originator for the first opportunity to bringthe idea to market and obtain exclusive marketing rights to the initialproduct and derivatives thereof. In exchange for this “first mover”opportunity, the toy company agrees to pay a royalty on all productssold deriving from the original idea.

Under California law, an originator can prevail in an action to recovercompensation for use of an idea if (i) before or after disclosure theoriginator has obtained from the user an express promise to pay for useof the idea, or (ii) the circumstances preceding and attending thedisclosure of the idea indicate an implied promise whereby theoriginator has clearly conditioned his offer to disclose the idea uponan obligation to pay for it if it is used by the user, and the user,knowing the condition before the idea is disclosed by the originator,voluntarily accepts and uses the idea.

Under California law, there is no requirement that the idea be “novel”or “reduced to a concrete form.” Even though an idea may be common oropen to public knowledge, its disclosure is sufficient consideration forthe promise to pay for its use upon disclosure. The concepts of“novelty” and “concreteness” speak to the value of the idea and not itsprotectibility under contract law. A proven idea is necessarily morevaluable than an unproven idea; however, the disclosure of either can beconsideration for a contract to pay for its use. The Law of UndevelopedIdeas seeks to protect originators who, in attempting to market, exploitor sell their ideas, must disclose them to potential users. Itencourages the development and exploitation of those items of lesser ordifferent invention than might be accorded protection under the patentlaws, but which items still have an important part to play in thetechnological, artistic and scientific advancement of the human race.Essentially, Trade Secret Law and the Law of Undeveloped Ideas promotethe sharing of knowledge and innovation, and the efficient operation ofindustry; these laws permit the originator to reap the rewards ofhis/her/its labor by contracting with a company possessing the necessaryresources to develop and exploit it. While trade secret protection isgenerally lost upon nonconfidential disclosure, the Law of UndevelopedIdeas will enforce contractual obligations between an originator and auser even after the idea is made known to the public at large. This isbecause the user was given a particular competitive advantage in beingthe first to consider and exploit the originator's idea.

Individuals and companies frequently stumble upon ideas, innovations andbusiness opportunities that have a positive net present value; theproblem is that these individuals and companies lack adequate resourcesand/or core competencies to exploit the opportunities. The opportunitymay be in an industry segment with which the individual or business isnot familiar, or the originator may lack adequate capital, businessexperience, entrepreneurial ambition or market position to successfullydevelop, implement and exploit the idea, concept or innovation. Inaddition, larger firms often pass on positive net present valueinnovations for a myriad of reasons, including (i) development isoutside the company's core competencies; (ii) development andimplementation of a new concept does not fit with the company'sstrategic plan; (iii) inadequate current resources; (iv) higher priorityopportunities; and (v) lack of leadership and passion. Thus, theoriginator frequently tries to interest larger or better-positionedcompanies in developing and exploiting his or her ideas in anarrangement that enables all parties to share equitably in any successesattributable to the idea. Contact and communication between anoriginator and a user, however, is costly and may raise potentialproblems and significant legal risks for each party.

For example, (i) an employee may disclose an inventive idea for a newproduct to his employer, who then begins to manufacture and sell the newproduct but refuses to pay the employee for the idea; (ii) an individualmay submit an advertising slogan or campaign concept to a retail storeor manufacturer, expecting compensation upon use, but receives nothing;(iii) a writer presents a plan for a television series or a plot summaryfor an episode of a current sitcom to a television producer who turns itdown but then incorporates the idea in a later series without paying theoriginator; or (iv) an applicant for employment with a company in thecourse of interviewing, discloses a new business method, and later findsout that the company has implemented the new method, but the companyrefuses to hire the applicant/originator or pay for the information.

Companies of all sizes and in all industries face the same problem—howto access effectively and efficiently externally and internallygenerated innovation without unmanageable exposure to potentialliability. Current processes for idea and innovation submission, ifavailable at all, are cumbersome, costly to administer andunpredictable. Furthermore, because current idea submission protocolsimpose nonconfidential submission criteria and ineffective enforcementmechanisms, innovators lack adequate compensatory incentives to submitvaluable ideas to relevant users. Companies face the problem ofidentifying users of their products or services who may have valuablesuggestions regarding improvements, new products or services, moreefficient distribution or sales methods, etc. Current methods includeconsumer focus groups, consumer surveys, consumer response cards andother costly and ineffective processes. Even if a company is able toidentify innovative consumers, they lack an effective means ofencouraging disclosure of the innovation and managing the transfer ofthe innovation.

There are many different innovation transfer protocols in use today,whether implemented via the Internet (bulletin boards, subscribercommunities, e-mail, etc.) or via more traditional media (in-personpitch, agent representation, paper submission, telephonic disclosure,etc.). Generally, existing innovation transfer protocols require an ideaoriginator to bear the transaction costs of identifying and accessingpotential users. Originators often develop a potentially valuableinvention or idea that could be the seed of a Valuable businessopportunity, product, advertising slogan, motion picture, televisionseries, service, etc. The originator would like to be compensated forany use of the idea. Although the originator may have inchoateintellectual property rights (e.g., patent, copyright, trade secret orother statutory property rights), the originator may wish to interestothers in the idea to help exploit the opportunity. The originator mayattempt to contact one or more companies or individuals that theoriginator believes may be interested in the originator's idea, oftenchoosing a recognized leader in the field of the idea.

In addition to overcoming the initial barrier of identifying andaccessing potential users, originators are faced with the problem oftrying to disclose the idea to potential users without losing theirtrade secret and other rights or having the idea misappropriated by auser to whom the originator has disclosed the idea. Once an originatoridentifies a potential user of the idea, the originator must contact thepotential user to determine if the user accepts unsolicited ideas. Manyusers refuse to accept unsolicited ideas for fear of later claims ofmisappropriation. Those that do accept unsolicited idea submissionsgenerally impose a nonconfidential disclosure requirement thatsignificantly decreases the originator's ability to enforce any paymentobligation on the user.

Currently, originators cannot effectively disclose or submit ideas tousers either because they lack adequate resources to identify potentialusers or sophistication and experience to “pitch” the idea to potentialusers, or they lack effective access to the user or to a submissionprocess. In addition, many companies refuse to accept unsolicited ideasor honor confidential disclosures. The only current alternatives are to(i) submit the idea nonconfidentially to a potential user and hope forsome compensation or (ii) do nothing and let the idea remain undisclosedand the innovation unrealized. Even seasoned originators (e.g.,established writers and inventors) face significant transaction costsinherent in searching for and communicating with potential users, oftensettling for submission to fewer users than desired.

Thus, as one skilled in the art will recognize, there is and has been along-felt need for a centralized originator- and user-driven system forbilateral electronic commerce in ideas and electronic idea submissioncapable of being utilized by novice and expert originators alike tocommunicate confidentially their ideas globally to potential users whichaddresses the deficiencies in the prior art. The present inventionaddresses the deficiencies in the prior art and enables a robustmarketplace for confidential information and innovation.

The term “FDI” is used herein to mean, without limitation, anoriginator's fully disclosed idea.

The term “idea” or “ideas” is used herein to mean, without limitation, apotentially valuable invention, concept, idea, innovation, epiphany,thought, slogan, development, accident, creation, solution, discovery,suggestion, or any other act of cognition or imagination, whethergenerally known or novel and nonobvious, whose application has apositive net present value to, or is capable of use by or is potentiallyuseful to some identifiable user.

The term “NDS(FDI)” is used herein to mean, without limitation, anondisclosing synopsis of an originator's fully disclosed idea.

The term “NDS(RFP)” is used herein to mean, without limitation, anondisclosing synopsis of a user's fully disclosed RFP.

The term “originator” is used herein to mean, without limitation, anindividual or entity that originates an idea or a solution to an unmetneed or unsolved problem.

The term “preemptive right” is used herein to mean, without limitation,a right of first refusal, right of first opportunity or any otherlegally enforceable preemptive right.

The term “RFP” is used herein to mean, without limitation, a request forproposal comprising a fully disclosed unmet need or unsolved problem.

The term “user” is used herein to mean, without limitation, anindividual or entity capable of implementing an idea or in search of anidea, including an individual or entity with an unmet need or unsolvedproblem.

The method and apparatus of an originator-driven embodiment of thepresent invention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 a, 2,3, and 4. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a centralcontroller 200, user interface 300, originator interface 400, andassociated databases. The present invention receives FDIs 130 a fromoriginators, facilitates the creation by the originator of anondisclosing synopsis of the FDI 130 a, or an NDS(FDI) 100 a, makes theNDS(FDI) 100 a available for viewing by potential users, and allowsusers conveniently to search for relevant ideas and for userspotentially to bind an originator to a license granting the user theright to access and consider the originator's fully disclosed idea. Theuse of a license ensures that the originator's FDI 130 a is disclosedconfidentially to potential users thereby protecting the originator frommisappropriation. The license agreement may consist of a licenseagreement generated by the system, or the submitting originator maysubmit the originator's FDI subject to a license or nondisclosureagreement developed by the submitting originator. The user may then passon the idea or initiate an offer to obtain a license, option, preemptiveright, or assignment of the FDI 130 a. The system utilizes current chatand voice telephony technology and payment protocols to facilitate thenegotiation of the terms of an FDI transfer agreement and the transferof the FDI 130 a, or the grant of the right to use the FDI 130 a, to theuser.

The method and apparatus of a user-driven embodiment of the presentinvention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 b, 2, 3, and4. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a centralcontroller 200, user interface 300, originator interface 400, andassociated databases. The present invention receives RFPs 130 b fromusers, facilitates the creation by the originator of a nondisclosingsynopsis of the RFP 130 b, or an NDS(RFP) 100 b, makes the NDS(RFP) 100b available for viewing by potential originators, and allows originatorsconveniently to search for relevant RFPs 130 b and for originatorspotentially to bind a user to a license granting the originator theexclusive right to access and consider the user's fully disclosed RFP130 b. The use of a license ensures that the user's RFP 130 b isconfidentially disclosed to potential originators thereby protecting theuser from unwanted publication or disclosure. The license agreement mayconsist of a standardized, industry-specific license agreement generatedby the system, or the submitting user may submit the user's RFP subjectto a license or nondisclosure agreement developed by the solicitinguser. The originator may then pass on the RFP 130 a or submit a proposedsolution to the soliciting user's RFP 130 b, which proposed solutionitself comprises an FDI 130 a and may be submitted to the solicitinguser in the same manner as described for the originator-drivenembodiment.

System Architecture

The system architecture of the first embodiment of the method andapparatus of the present invention is illustrated with reference toFIGS. 1 a through 4. As shown in FIG. 1 a, the apparatus consists ofthree “nodes” comprising the user interface 300, originator interface400, and central controller 200. Each node is connected via an Internetconnection using any one of many available means of networkcommunication. User interface 300 and originator interface 400 are inputand output means for communications with central controller 200.

Using the above components, the present invention provides (i) a methodand apparatus to post nondisclosing synopses of ideas (i.e., NDS(FDI)s100 a), make them available to potential users, and allow users to bindthe originators to a limited duration license allowing user access tothe fully disclosed idea (i.e., FDI 130 a); and (ii) a method andapparatus to post nondisclosing synopses of requests for proposals(i.e., NDS(RFP)s 100 b), make them available to potential originators,and allow originators to bind the user to a license allowing originatoraccess to the fully disclosed RFP 130 b.

As shown in FIG. 2. Central controller 200 includes central processor(“CPU”) 205, cryptographic processor 210, RAM 215, ROM 220, paymentprocessor 230, clock 235, operating system 240, network interface 245,and data storage device 250.

A personal computer or computer workstation with sufficient memory andprocessing capability may be used as central controller 200. In oneembodiment it operates a web server, (i) receiving FDIs 130 a andtransmitting NDS(FDI)s 100 a generated by originators; and (ii)receiving fully disclosed RFPs 130 b and transmitting NDS(RFP)s 100 bgenerated by users. Central controller 200 is capable of high volumetransaction processing, performing a significant number of mathematicalcalculations in processing communications and database searches. Amicroprocessor such as the Pentium II, commonly manufactured by Intel,Inc., may be used for CPU 205. Equivalent processors are commonlyavailable.

A microcontroller, commonly manufactured by Motorola, may be used forcryptographic processor 210. Equivalent processors may also be used.This microcontroller performs 128-bit SSL encryption and RSA private keyoperation. Cryptographic processor 210 may also be configured as part ofCPU 205. Other specialized cryptographic processors are commonly knownand commercially available.

Referring to FIG. 2, payment processor 230 comprises one or moreconventional microprocessors, supporting the transfer and exchange ofpayments, charges, or debits, attendant to the method of the apparatus.Payment processor 230 may also be configured as part of CPU 205 or otherdevice external to the system described herein. Processing of creditcard, digital cash or other payment means transactions by paymentprocessor 230 may be supported with commonly known and commerciallyavailable software. The server software transmits credit card or otheraccount information electronically over the Internet to servers externalto the system described herein where account verification and processingis handled.

Data storage device 250 may include hard disk magnetic or opticalstorage units, as well as CD-ROM drives or flash memory. Data storagedevice 250 contains databases used in the processing of transactions inthe present invention, including FDI transfer agreement database 251,submission agreement database 252, RFP database 253, originator responsedatabase 254, originator account 255, NDS(RFP) database 256, originatordatabase 257, originator response database 258, user database 259,NDS(FDI) database 260, FDI database 261, user response database 262,license confirmation database 263, license detail database 264, paymentdatabase 265, cryptographic key database 266, audit database 267, useraccount database 268, and escrow account database 269. In one embodimentdatabase software manufactured by Oracle Corporation is used to createand manage these databases. Other equivalent database software programsare commonly known and commercially available.

Originator database 257 maintains data on originators with input fieldssuch as name, contact information, type of originator, address, deposit,cash or credit account number, telephone number, identification number,taxpayer identification number, electronic mail address, credit history,past system usage and history, status and qualifications, public/privatekey information, etc. This information is obtained when an originatorfirst submits an idea and registers with the system, and thereafter asthe originator generates a unique transactional history by using thesystem for subsequent postings. Originator database 257 also containsthe tracking number of each FDI 130 a and NDS(FDI) 100 a submitted bythe originator, and the tracking number of each user response and eachFDI transfer agreement proposed by the user.

User database 259 maintains data on users with input fields such asname, contact information, type of user, address, deposit, cash orcredit account number, telephone number, identification number, taxpayeridentification number, electronic mail address, credit history, pastsystem usage and history, status and qualifications, public/private keyinformation, etc.

FDI database 261 tracks and stores all FDIs 130 a with fields such astracking number, originator identification number, date, time, subject,industry category, intended user category, expiration date, conditions,etc. This database is valuable in the event of disputes betweenoriginators and users regarding access to FDIs 130 a and independentcreation of FDIs 130 a, because details of the license and accesshistory can be produced.

NDS(FDI) database 260 tracks and stores all NDS(FDI)s 100 a with fieldsidentical to FDI database 261. The structure of this database isidentical to FDI database 261.

FDI transfer agreement database 251 tracks and stores all proposed andexecuted FDI transfer agreements 1850 a.

RFP database 253 tracks and stores all RFPs 130 b. The structure of thisdatabase is identical to FDI database 261.

NDS(RFP) database 256 tracks and stores all NDS(RFP)s 100 b with fieldsidentical to RFP database 253. The structure of this database isidentical to RFP database 253.

User response database 262 tracks and stores all user responses 110 awith input fields such as user name, user identification number, date,time, user response tracking number, and associated FDI and NDS(FDI)tracking numbers.

Originator response database 254 or 258 tracks and stores all originatorresponses 110 b with input fields such as originator name, originatoridentification number, date, time, originator response tracking number,and associated RFP and NDS(RFP) tracking numbers.

License confirmation database 263 tracks and stores messages sent tooriginator and user confirming completed, binding license transactionswith input fields including originator name, originator identificationnumber, user name, user identification number, license confirmationtracking number, and associated FDI and NDS(FDI) tracking number.

License detail database 264 contains standardized, industry-specificlimited duration licenses providing language binding user toconfidentiality and/or other obligations for acceptance by user prior toobtaining access to an FDI 130 a.

Submission agreement database 252 contains standardized,industry-specific submission agreements providing idea submissioncriteria for acceptance by originator prior to submitting an FDI 130 a.

Payment database 265 tracks all payments made by users with input fieldssuch as user name, user identification number, amount of payment, andassociated FDI and NDS(FDI) tracking numbers. This database may alsostore deposit, cash or credit account information of users.

Cryptographic key database 266 facilitates cryptographic functions,storing symmetric and asymmetric keys. These keys are used bycryptographic processor 210 for encrypting and decrypting NDS(FDI)s 100a, NDS(RFP)s 100 b, RFPs 130 b, and FDIs 130 a, user responses 110 a,license confirmations 120 a, FDI transfer agreements and originatorresponses 110 b.

Audit database 267 tracks and stores transactional information relatedto posting of NDS(FDI)s 100 a and NDS(RFP)s 100 b accessing of FDIs 130a and RFPs 130 b allowing it to be retrieved for subsequent analysis.

User account 268 tracks and stores all information pertaining to theuser's account with input fields such as user's name, deposit, cash orcredit account numbers, and debit or credit transactions.

Originator account 255 tracks and stores all information pertaining tothe originator's account with input fields such as user's name, deposit,cash or credit account numbers, and debit or credit transactions. Userpayments for FDIs 100 a may be sent to this account.

Escrow account 269 is an account that temporarily holds user fundsbefore they are placed in originator account 255.

Network interface 245 is the gateway to communicate with originators andusers through respective originator interface 400 and user interface300. Conventional internal or external modems may serve as networkinterface 245. In one embodiment, network interface 245 is connectedwith the Internet and/or any of the commercial on-line service providersallowing originators and users access from a wide range of on-lineconnections. Several commercially available electronic mail serversinclude the above functionality and are designed to link people andinformation over enterprise networks and the Internet. The system isplatform independent and utilizes open standards based on Internetprotocols. Users and originators can exchange messages with enclosuressuch as files, graphics, video and audio. The system supports multiplelanguages. Alternatively, the network interface 245 may be configured asa voice mail interface, voice telephony interface, web site, bulletinboard service or electronic mail address.

Those skilled in the art will realize that the functionality of thepresent invention can be distributed over a plurality of computersutilizing an unlimited number of controllers and interface devices toyield a more dynamic, robust and flexible system.

FIGS. 3 and 4 describe user interface 300 and originator interface 400,respectively. Both interfaces may comprise conventional personalcomputers having an input device, such as keyboard, mouse orconventional voice recognition capabilities; a display device, such as avideo monitor; a processing device such as a CPU; and a networkinterface such as a modem. These devices interface with centralcontroller 200. Alternatively, user interface.300 and originatorinterface 400 may also be a personal digital assistant such as thosemanufactured by Palm and Handspring, voice mail systems, or otherelectronic or voice communications systems.

Referring to FIG. 3, user interface 300, includes central processor(CPU) 305, RAM 315, ROM 320, clock 335, video driver 325, video monitor330, communication port 340, input device 345, modem 350, and datastorage device 360. Cryptographic processor 335 and biometric device 355may be added for stronger authentication. A conventional microprocessor,such as those manufactured by Intel and AMD, may be used for CPU 305.Clock 335 is a conventional chip-based clock used to timestamp varioustransmissions and communications. Modem 350 is a conventional dial-upmodem, cellular modem, cable modem, or DSL modem. Data storage device360 is a conventional magnetic hard disk storage unit.

Referring to FIG. 4, user interface 400, includes central processor(CPU) 405, RAM 415, ROM 420, clock 435, video driver 425, video monitor430, communication port 440, input device 445, modem 450, and datastorage device 460. Cryptographic processor 435 and biometric device 455may be added for stronger authentication. A conventional microprocessor,such as those manufactured by Intel and AMD, may be used for CPU 405.Clock 435 is a conventional chip-based clock used to timestamp varioustransactions and communications. Modem 450 is a conventional dial-upmodem, cellular modem, cable modem, or DSL modem. Data storage device460 is a conventional magnetic hard disk storage unit.

Commercial software applications such as e-mail applicationsmanufactured by Qualcomm and Microsoft may be used to enablecommunications required by user interface 300 and originator interface400. Additionally, web browser software manufactured by Netscape andMicrosoft may be used when central controller 200 is configured as a webserver. No proprietary software is required.

On-line Embodiment

In one originator-driven embodiment of the present invention,communication between originators and users occurs via the Internet orother electronic network, with central controller 200 acting as a webserver. The originator logs on to the central controller 200, submits anFDI 130 a and creates an NDS(FDI) 100 a, agrees to terms of the relevanton-line submission agreement, and then disconnects from the network.NDS(FDI) 100 a is made available to potential users by posting NDS(FDI)100 a on the web page of central controller 200. Periodic maintenance isperformed by central controller 200 to ensure that active NDS(FDI)s 100a have not been licensed or expired. If a user decides to access thecorresponding FDI, user response 110 a is transmitted 30 electronicallyto central controller 200, which contacts originator that the FDI 130 ahas been licensed. With reference to FIG. 5 a, there is described theprocess by which an originator submits FDI 130 a and createscorresponding NDS(FDI) 100 a. At step 500 a the originator logs on tocentral controller 200 using originator modem 450 of originatorinterface 400, establishing a communication link. In one embodiment,central controller 200 has a page on the World Wide Web, allowingoriginator to provide information or attach electronic files (containingtext, audio, video or other media) through the interface of conventionalweb browser software such as Netscape Navigator, manufactured byNetscape, Inc., or Microsoft Explorer, manufactured by MicrosoftCorporation. At step 510 a, originator selects the relevant category ofthe FDI 130 a by selecting from a list of possible categories. As shownin box 515 a, categories might include motion picture, book manuscript,musical composition, electronic game, etc. At step 520 a, originatorselects one or more, if any, intended users of the FDI 130 a byselecting from a list of possible users or by manually inputting anintended user not identified on the list. As shown in box 525 a,intended users will be grouped according to industry sector and mightinclude motion picture studios, publishers, recording companies,electronic game producers, etc. After the category and/or intended useris selected, an electronic submission means is displayed on videomonitor 430 of originator interface 400. This electronic submissionmeans allows originator manually to input text comprising the FDI 130 aor to attach an electronic file comprising the FDI 130 a, for thepurpose of submitting the FDI 130 a to central controller 200.

At step 530 a, originator enters the FDI 130 a in the manner describedabove. A screenwriter, for example, might enter text or a text filecomprising an original screenplay, which constitutes the originator'sFDI 130 a; or a musician might enter an audio file comprising an audiblerecording of an original musical composition, which constitutesoriginator's FDI 130 a. At step 540 a, originator creates and enters, inthe same manner as for the FDI 130 a, the corresponding NDS(FDI) 100 a.As shown in box 545 a, the NDS(FDI) 100 a constitutes a brief,nondisclosing summary of the FDI 130 a.

At step 550 a, originator adds unique terms, if any, with respect to theaccessing, licensing, purchasing, etc., of the FDI 130 a. As shown inbox 555 a, the originator may specify that an FDI 130 a is available forassignment only, for a nonexclusive license only, etc. Originator'sunique terms may also include an expiration date or may restrict accessto the FDI 130 a to one potential user at a time, if desired. At step560 a, originator adds a reserve or minimum price, if desired. At step570 a, originator adds a name or unique ID number to the correspondingFDI 130 a. The ID number is received from the central controller 200when the originator registers for the service, or is chosen by theoriginator and then registered with the central controller 200. Box 575a shows that the originator must agree to the terms of an on-linesubmission agreement, if any, in order to post his/her/its FDI 130 aand/or NDS(FDI) 100 a. Central controller 200 maintains a database oforiginator ID numbers in originator database 257, and issues or allowsonly unique numbers.

Once the above elements have been created, the originator transmits themto central controller 200 at step 580 a by clicking on the “send” buttonlocated on the screen in which the data is entered.

Instead of a World Wide Web-based interface, originators may alsotransmit FDI 130 a and NDS(FDI) 100 a data via electronic mail, voicemail, facsimile or postal mail transmissions.

FIG. 5 b illustrates the user-driven process by which a user submits RFP130 b and creates a corresponding NDS(RFP) 100 b. The process is thesame as that described above for the originator-driven systemillustrated in FIG. 5 a.

Referring now to FIG. 6 a, NDS(FDI) 100 a is received by centralcontroller 200 at step 600 a and, at step 610 a, central controller 200communicates terms of the submission agreement to originator. At step620 a, originator communicates acceptance of the terms of the submissionagreement and NDS(FDI) 100 a is accepted by central controller 200 atstep 640 a and made available to potential users at step 650 a. Iforiginator does not communicate acceptance of the terms of thesubmission agreement, central controller 200 denies acceptance ofNDS(FDI) 100 a at step 630 a and communicates such denial to originator.In an alternative embodiment, originator is required to pay a submissionfee after agreeing to terms of the submission agreement. The payment canbe made on-line by credit card using standard SSL encryption andcommercially available payment transaction methods, such as provided byCyberSource and CommerceOne.

FIG. 6 b illustrates the corresponding user-driven process forsubmitting RFPs 130 b. The process proceeds in the same manner describedabove for the originator-driven embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 a, there is illustrated an embodiment in whichNDS(FDI) 100 a and FDI 130 a are activated and made available topotential users. At step 705 a, a unique tracking number is added toNDS(FDI) 100 a. At step 740 a, a unique tracking number is assigned toFDI 130 a. Central controller 200 timestamps NDS(FDI) 100 a at step 710a and FDI 130 a at step 745 a, and then stores NDS(FDI) 100 a inNDS(FDI) database 260 and FDI 130 a in FDI database 261. The NDS(FDI)database 260 and FDI database 261 contain a record for each NDS(FDI) 100a and FDI 130 a, respectively, which include fields such as category ofFDI, status, originator's contact information, reserve price, expirationdate, date received, unique terms, originator ID number, etc. The statusfield has values of “active,” “expired” or “licensed.” A status ofactive means the FDI 130 a is available to potential users and may belicensed. A status of expired means that FDI 130 a can no longer beaccessed or licensed by potential users. A status of “licensed” meansthe FDI 130 a is currently being accessed by a potential user and thecorresponding originator has elected to restrict access to one user at atime.

At step 725 a, central controller 200 adds any unique terms designatedby originator. At step 725 a, central controller 200 adds a reserveprice, if any. At step 730 a and 755 a, central controller 200 addsoriginator ID number to NDS(FDI) 100 a and FDI 130 a, respectively.

After being stored at step 715 a and 750 a, NDS(FDI) 100 a and FDI 130a, respectively, may go through a series of processing steps.Alternatively, these processing steps may be performed by centralcontroller 200 at steps 735 a and 760 a, respectively. If necessary,central controller 200 may perform a language translation step usingcommercially available translation software. Central controller 200 mayalso perform a spelling check and grammar check using commerciallyavailable software. The NDS(FDI) 100 a and FDI 130 a may also beprocessed for clarity or completeness and the system may communicatesuggestions to the submitting originator on how to improve the clarityand completeness of the corresponding NDS(FDI) 100 a or FDI 130 a. Forinstance, if the FDI 130 a is a movie script in the horror genre, thecentral controller 200, after performing the processing steps outlinedabove, may communicate to the submitting originator that the screenplayis missing key information or that “horror” films are not particularlymarketable at the present time.

In one embodiment, central controller 200 extracts the category of theFDI 130 a, which category may include industry sector (toys, videogames, software, network communications, etc.) or segment of FDI (e.g.,script, business plan, musical composition, etc.), and posts the FDI 130a in the appropriate category area on a website. This would allowcentral controller 200 to display NDS(FDI) 100 a of the correspondingFDI 130 a only to the most relevant and appropriate users. In a WorldWide Web environment, central controller 200 has a web page for eachpossible category and/or combination of categories. Thus, each userlooking for screenplays (e.g., Hollywood agents or studio executives)would be able to view on the screenplay web page all NDS(FDI)s 100 acorresponding to screenplay submissions. Or a potential user looking forparticular business plans (e.g., venture capitalist) would be able toview all NDS(FDI)s 100 a corresponding to business plans or could view anarrower subset by viewing all NDS(FDI)s 100 a corresponding to businessplans for companies involved in wireless applications software.Alternatively, a potential user may communicate specific criteria tocentral controller 200, and central controller 200 will electronicallymail all NDS(FDI)s 100 a meeting the user's predetermined criteria orwill electronically mail a URL link to a web page containing allNDS(FDI)s 100 a meeting a user's predetermined criteria. For example, aparticular venture capitalist may wish to be notified of all NDS(FDI)s100 a constituting business plans for software companies.

In an embodiment in which NDS(FDI)s 100 a are being transmitted to theuser, user interface may comprise a computer with a modem, a cellulartelephone, a fax machine, a PDA with wireless modem, or beepers andpagers. For example, a venture capitalist could instruct centralcontroller 200 to beep him or her whenever NDS(FDI) 100 a comprising abusiness plan for a company developing wireless applications is receivedby central controller 200. Details of the particular businessopportunity could be transmitted to user's beeper LCD screen or touser's PDA, or user may be instructed to log on to central controller200 to receive further details.

FIG. 7 b illustrates the corresponding user-driven embodiment wherebyNDS(RFP) 100 b and RFP 130 b are activated and made available topotential originators. The process is the same as that described abovefor the originator-driven system.

Referring to FIG. 8 a, there is illustrated a procedure for themaintenance of NDS(FDI)s 100 a. At step 800 a, central controller 200searches NDS(FDI) database 260. At step 810 a, the status field of eachNDS(FDI) 100 a and corresponding FDI 130 a is reviewed and analyzed. Ifthe corresponding FDI 130 a has expired, status of correspondingNDS(FDI) 100 a is changed to “expired” at step 820 a. If thecorresponding FDI 130 a is currently licensed, status of correspondingNDS(FDI) 100 a is changed to “licensed” at step 820 a. The process iscomplete at step 830 a when all “active” NDS(FDI)s 100 a databaserecords have been examined.

FIG. 8 b illustrates the corresponding user-driven embodiment formaintenance of NDS(RFP)s 100 b. The process is the same as thatdescribed above for the originator-driven system.

FIG. 9 a illustrates the process by which a potential user selects aparticular NDS(FDI) 100 a corresponding to an FDI 130 a to which theuser desires access. At step 900 a, user logs on to central controller200 using modem 350 of user interface 300. At step 910 a, the potentialuser selects an appropriate category. For example, a venture capitalistlooking for business plans relating to wireless application developmentcompanies may search the wireless application business plan category inhopes of finding an NDS(FDI) 100 a meeting the venture capitalist'sdevelopment or investment criteria. Alternatively, a commerciallyavailable search engine may be used to retrieve from NDS(FDI) database260, all NDS(FDI)s 100 a meeting the venture capitalist's development orinvestment criteria. At step 920 a, the potential user browses the listof available (i.e., “active”) NDS(FDI)s 100 a in a particular categoryor combination of categories. Once the potential user identifies aparticular NDS(FDI) 100 a which the user feels is relevant, user selectsthat particular NDS(FDI) 100 a at step 930 a The potential user is thenasked by central controller 200 to agree to the terms of a licenseagreement at step 935 a. The license agreement may be industry specificand/or standardized, in which case the generic terms are stored in thelicense detail database 264. Originator may make appropriatemodifications to the standard terms. In an alternative embodiment, thepotential user is allowed to access the corresponding FDI 130 a withouthaving to agree to the terms of a license agreement. If the user agreesto the license agreement, the corresponding FDI 130 a is transmitted touser at step 940 a. In another embodiment, the NDS(FDI) 100 a may betransmitted directly to the user via electronic mail, facsimile,telephone, pager, etc.

FIG. 9 b illustrates the user-driven embodiment and the process by whichan originator searches for and selects a particular NDS(RFP) 100 bcorresponding to an RFP 100 b to which originator desires access inorder to conduct further review. The process is the same as thatdescribed above for the originator-driven system.

FIGS. 10 a and 11 a illustrate the process by which NDS(FDI) 100 a andthe corresponding FDI 130 a is licensed by a user. At step 1000 a, thepotential user selects a particular NDS(FDI) 100 a for which user wouldlike to access the corresponding FDI 130 a. In the on-line embodiment,user's intention to access the corresponding FDI 130 a is communicatedto central controller 200 by simply clicking on the desired NDS(FDI) 100a. This action constitutes user's response 110 a and the user's identityis authenticated at step 1030 a If necessary, timestamp allows centralcontroller 200 to determine the first user desiring to license thecorresponding FDI 130 a. This is important if the originator of the FDI130 a has indicated that only one user may have access to the FDI 130 aat a time.

Authentication of user's identity involves central controller 200extracting the user ID from user response 110 a and looking up user'sidentity in user database 259. Information in the user database 259 mayprovide verification that user meets conditions imposed by theoriginator and the necessary contact information to bind user to thelicense agreement.

Central controller 200 verifies the status of the NDS(FDI) 100 a andcorresponding FDI 130 a at step 1030 a to ensure the NDS(FDI) 100 a is“active” and available for licensing. If status of NDS(FDI) 100 a is“expired” or “licensed,” user response 110 a is refused and centralcontroller 200 communicates to user the particular NDS(FDI) 100 a andcorresponding FDI 130 a is not available for access or licensing at step1050 a. If status of NDS(FDI) 100 a is “active,” user is asked bycentral controller 200 to agree to the terms of the license agreement atstep 1060 a. If user does not agree to the license agreement, centralcontroller 200 communicates to user at step 1050 a that access to thecorresponding FDI 130 a is denied. If user agrees to the licenseagreement at step 1060 a, central controller 200 adds a unique trackingnumber to user's response 110 a at step 1070 a. Central controller 200then stores user response 110 a in user response database 262 at step1080 a.

In another embodiment, the user transmits user response 110 a directlyto originator at step 1010 a. The originator may then send user response110 a to central controller 200 for verification and authentication, ororiginator may choose to accept user response 100 a without verificationand authentication.

FIG. 11 a illustrates the process for confirming that the licenseagreement has been agreed to by the user. If authorized by originator,information about the identity and qualifications of the originator istransmitted to user at step 1100 a. At step 1110 a, central controller200 changes status of the NDS(FDI) 100 a to “licensed” and user ID, theunique tracking number for the NDS(FDI) 100 a and corresponding FDI 130a are added to the license agreement. The complete and binding licenseagreement is then stored in the license confirmation database 263, andthe license confirmation is transmitted to user at step 1120 a and tooriginator at step 1130 a. If the originator has so designated, accessto the corresponding FDI 130 a by subsequent users will be denied.

In another embodiment, the originator may allow multiple users to accessan FDI 130 a pursuant to a license agreement. In this case, NDS(FDI) 100a may maintain its status of “active” indefinitely or until a certainnumber of users have responded. For example, an originator may designatethat the FDI 130 a (e.g., franchise business opportunity) is availablefor licensing by up to 5 users in a particular geographic region. Once 5users have licensed the FDI 130 a, the status of the correspondingNDS(FDI) 100 a is changed to “licensed” or “expired.” Another option isto open the FDI 130 a to any number of users.

FIGS. 10 b and 11 b describe the process by which NDS(RFP) 110 b and thecorresponding RFP 130 b are licensed by an originator in the user-drivenembodiment of the present invention. The process is the same as thatdescribed above for the originator-driven system.

FIG. 12 a illustrates the process by which a user communicates user'sdesire to obtain the right to use the FDI 130 a. At step 1200 a, centralcontroller 200 grants user access to the FDI 130 a for user's review andconsideration. User examines FDI 130 a at step 1210 a to determine thevalue of the FDI 130 a and assess whether or not user desires to obtainrights to use the FDI 130 a If user is not interested in obtaining theright to use the FDI 130 a, user communicates user's decision to centralcontroller 200 at step 1220 a The license agreement, pursuant to whichuser was granted access to the FDI 130 a, expires by its own terms andcentral controller 200 changes status of NDS(FDI) 100 a from “licensed”to “active” at step 1230 a. FDI 130 a is now available for access andlicensing by another potential user. Alternatively, if access to the FDI130 a has not been restricted to one user at a time, user's decision notto obtain the right to use the FDI 130 a is communicated to centralcontroller 200 and stored in user response database 262 or communicateddirectly to originator at step 1230 a. If user desires to obtain theright to use the FDI 130 a, user's decision is communicated to centralcontroller 200 at step 1220 a, and user is asked to communicate proposedterms of FDI transfer agreement to central controller 200 at step 1240a. The FDI transfer agreement may be industry-specific or may containstandardized terms, in which case the generic terms of the FDI transferagreement are stored in the FDI transfer agreement database 251. Usermay make appropriate modifications to the standard terms. This processis described under the heading FDI Transfer Agreement Embodiment belowwith reference to FIGS. 18 a and 19 a. Alternatively, user maycommunicate terms of FDI transfer agreement directly to originator atstep 1240 a.

FIG. 12 b illustrates the process by which an originator communicatesoriginator's desire to propose a solution to user's RFP 130 b. Theprocess is the same as that described above for the originator-drivensystem.

FIG. 18 b describes the process by which an originator creates an FDI130 a comprising a proposed solution to soliciting user's RFP 130 b. Atstep 1800 b, originator creates the FDI 130 a, which, as indicated inbox 1805 b, may be an estimate, scope of work, proposal or solution. Atstep 1810 b, originator logs onto central controller 200 to submit theFDI 130 a, which comprises the proposed solution to the solicitinguser's RFP 130 b. Box 1805 b indicates that this process is identicalwith steps 510 a through 580 a described in FIG. 5 a.

FDI Transfer Agreement Embodiment

In one embodiment of the present invention, users respond to FDI 130 a,whether submitted independently or as a proposed solution to user's RFP130 b, by proposing the terms of an offer to option, license, purchaseor otherwise transfer the right to use the FDI 130 a, by submitting anFDI transfer agreement. The FDI transfer agreement is submitted in asimilar manner as the NDS(FDI) 100 a, except that FDI transfer agreementis directed to a specified originator, whereas NDS(FDI) 100 a may havebeen directed to a plurality of users.

FIG. 18 a depicts the development and submission of an FDI transferagreement. At step 1800 a, the potential user proposes terms for the FDItransfer agreement. As shown in box 1805 a, potential user may attemptto acquire from originator a license, preemptive right, assignment orother right to use the originator's FDI 130 a. At step 1810 a, userprepares FDI transfer agreement with modified terms. At step 1820 a,user attaches the tracking number of the corresponding FDI 130 a to FDItransfer agreement. Central controller 200 receives FDI transferagreement at step 1830 a, setting the status to “active.” Centralcontroller 200 then adds a unique tracking number to FDI transferagreement at step 1840 a, and stores it in the FDI transfer agreementdatabase 251 at step 1850 a. Central controller 200 extracts thetracking number of the corresponding FDI 130a attached to FDI transferagreement in order to find the originator to whom FDI transfer agreementis transmitted at step 1860 a.

FIG. 19 shows the process by which the originator responds to FDItransfer agreement. At step 1900 originator decides whether to acceptthe proposed terms of the FDI transfer agreement. If originator does notaccept FDI transfer agreement, it is transmitted back to user at step1910. At this point, originator may proceed with submitting originator'sown FDI transfer agreement in the same manner as described above foruser. If originator accepts FDI transfer agreement, originator response110 b is transmitted to central controller 200 at step 1920. At step1930, funds are removed, pursuant to the FDI transfer agreement, fromuser account 268 and placed in originator account 255. Alternatively,funds are removed from user account 268 and placed in escrow account 269until originator completes transfer of FDI 130 a to user, at which pointfunds are placed in originator account 255.

Payment Methods

FIG. 13 illustrates a protocol in which central controller 200establishes user account 268. At step 1300, user selects a preferredmethod of payment. Preferred methods might include credit card, personalcheck, electronic funds transfer, digital cash, etc. User transmitspayment data to central controller 200 at step 1310 a. As indicated inbox 1315, such payment data might include credit card account number,bank account number or digital cash account number. These paymentmethods are meant to be merely illustrative, however, as there are manyequivalent payment methods commonly known in the art that may also beused. At step 1320, payment data and payment preferences are stored bycentral controller 200 in payment database 265. At step 1330, centralcontroller 200 establishes user account 268 which may store moneytransferred by the user or may serve as pointer to an account of theuser outside the system. For users using credit cards, for example, useraccount 268 contains the credit card number, expiration date, and nameof issuing institution. At step 1340, central controller 200 contactsthe bank or card issuer to confirm that funds are available.

The above protocols may be similarly applied to originators allowing forcreation of originator account 255. The originator account 255 isprimarily used for deposits, with money flowing from users tooriginator. However, in one embodiment originators are required to pay asubmission fee in order to post an NDS(FDI) 100 a and corresponding FDI130 a, in which case central controller 200 must establish originatoraccount 255 and receive payment data in the same manner described abovefor users.

There are many commercially available payment systems that will be knownto those skilled in the art. Payment data and transaction confirmationmay be processed on-line via the World Wide Web or conventionally viatelephone, facsimile, postal mail, electronic mail, etc. Thus, paymentdata and transaction processing may occur outside of the system ifnecessary.

Escrow Embodiment

In an alternative embodiment, payment to originator by user may bedelayed until the rights to the FDI 130 a have been adequatelytransferred to user. Escrow account 269 allows payment to be delayeduntil originator agrees to the terms of the FDI transfer agreement,which at the same time ensures that user will in fact make payment.Central controller 200 establishes escrow account 269 as a temporaryholding account. When originator binds user to FDI transfer agreement atstep 1900 and central controller 200 receives originator response atstep 1920, funds are removed from user account 268 and placed in escrowaccount 269 at step 1930. When rights to use FDI 130 a, or physicalembodiment of the FDI 130 a is transmitted to user and confirmation oftransfer is received by central controller 200, funds are transferredfrom escrow account 269 to originator account 255.

In another embodiment, the FDI transfer agreement may provide for thepayment of royalty or installment payment. Central controller 200 mayact as a funds clearinghouse for such transactions, so that accuraterecord of royalty or installment payments are maintained in user account268 and originator account 255.

Off-line Embodiments

In one embodiment of the present invention, originators and userscommunicate with central controller 200 in a manner other thanelectronic mail or web-based server. Conventional communications means,such as telephone, facsimile, postal mail, courier or other means canalso be used.

For instance, facsimile, postal mail or courier could be used to delivera print version of available NDS(FDI)s 100 a to potential users.Potential users desiring access to a particular FDI 130 a could thendeliver user response 110 a to central controller 200 via postal mail orcourier or deliver user response directly to the originator. Terms ofthe license could then be delivered to user and license confirmation 120a could then be delivered to originator. Originator or centralcontroller 200 would then deliver FDI 130 a to user pursuant to terms ofthe license agreement. Alternatively, any combination of the mentionedmethods of communication could be used, including digitization ofwritten material and subsequent posting of such content on the WorldWide Web in the manner described for the on-line embodiment.

Cryptographic Authentication Embodiment

In the previous embodiments, authentication of originator and userinvolves checking the attached ID number or name and comparing it withthose stored in originator database 257 and user database 259. As oneskilled in the art will recognize, commercially available cryptographicprotocols may be used to enhance security and ensure authentication oforiginator and user. These protocols can be used in connection with theon-line embodiment to ensure communications between user or originatorand central controller 200 have not been interrupted and to verify theirintegrity. This is particularly important when dealing with FDIs 130 aor RFPs 130 b that constitute confidential information. The practice ofusing cryptographic assurance methods to ensure authenticity of sendersas well as the integrity of messages is well known in the art and neednot be described here in detail.

FIG. 14 a describes a symmetric key embodiment in which the user andcentral controller 200 share a key. Both encryption and decryption ofuser response 10 a are performed with the same key. User encrypts userresponse 100 a with user's assigned symmetric key at step 1400 a, usingcryptographic processor 310 of user interface 300. The key may be storedin message database 370 or otherwise stored or memorized by user. Theencrypted user response 110 a is then transmitted to cryptographicprocessor 210 of central controller 200 at step 1410 a. Cryptographicprocessor 210 extracts user ID from user response 110 a at step 1420 aand looks up symmetric key of user in cryptographic key database 266 atstep 1430 a, decrypting user response 110 a with this key at step 1450a. Cryptographic key database 266 contains algorithms and keys forencrypting and decrypting and/or authenticating messages. At step 1460a, if the resulting message is intelligible, then it must have beenencrypted using the same key, authenticating that the user must havebeen the author of the user response 110 a.

FIG. 14 b describes the corresponding symmetric key embodiment as usedin the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the sameas that described above for the originator-driven system.

FIG. 15 a describes an asymmetric key embodiment in which user response110 a is encrypted with a private key and decrypted with a public key.At step 1500 a, user encrypts user response 110 a with user's privatekey using cryptographic processor 310, transmitting user response 110 ato central controller 200 at step 15110 a. Cryptographic processor 210extracts the user ID at step 1520 a and looks up the user's associatedpublic key in cryptographic key database 266 at step 1530 a, decryptinguser response 110 a with this public key at step 1540 a. As before, ifuser response 100 a is intelligible then central controller 200 hasauthenticated the user at step 1550 a.

FIG. 15 b describes the corresponding asymmetric key embodiment as usedin the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the sameas that described above for the originator-driven system.

FIG. 16 a shows a cryptographic technique using digital signatures toprovide authentication and message integrity. As in the asymmetricprotocol described above, each user has an associated public and privatekey. The user sings user response 110 a with user's private key at step1600 a using cryptographic processor 310 and transmits user response 110a to central controller 200 at step 1610 a. Central controller 200cryptographic processor 210 extracts the user ID at step 1620 a andlooks up user's public key at step 1630 a, verifying the signature usinguser's response 110 a and the public key of user at step 1640 a. If userresponse 110 a is intelligible, then central controller 200 accepts userresponse 110 a as authenticated at step 1650 a.

FIG. 16 b describes the corresponding digital signature embodiment asused in the user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is thesame as that described above for the originator-driven system.

FIG. 17 a describes a cryptographic technique using messageauthentication codes for verifying the authenticity and integrity ofuser response 110 a. User and central controller 200 share a symmetrickey, which user includes in a hash of user response 110 a at step 1700a. In the hash protocol, a one-way function is applied to the digitalrepresentation of the user response 110 a, generating a code that actsmuch like a fingerprint of user's response 110 a. After transmittinguser response 110 a to central controller 200 at step 1710 a,cryptographic processor 210 extracts user ID from user response 110 a atstep 1720 a. Cryptographic processor 210 looks up user's symmetric keyat step 1730 a and hashes user response 110 a with this symmetric key atstep 1740 a, comparing the resulting hash value with the hash valueattached to user's response 110 a. If the values match at step 1750 a,the integrity of user response 10 a is verified along with theauthenticity of the user.

FIG. 17 b describes the corresponding cryptographic technique as used inthe user-driven embodiment of the invention. The process is the same asthat described above for the originator-driven system.

Biometric Devices

Additional security can be built into the system by using biometricdevices such as fingerprint reader, voice recognition system, retinalscanner, facial recognition system and the like. These incorporate aphysical attribute into the user response 10 a, which is then comparedwith the value stored in user database 259. Such biometric devices 355may attach to user interface 300. Many such biometric devices 355 arecommercially available and the use of such biometric devices to ensureauthenticity of senders is well know in the art and need not bedescribed in detail herein.

For example, using a fingerprint reader, user places user's finger on alens and the resulting image is scanned, digitized, and the data isstored in memory. Each live-scan fingerprint is compared to thepreviously stored template, stored in data storage device 360. If theprints do not match, cryptographic processor 310 may prevent user fromgenerating a user response 110 a.

The cryptographic and biometric protocols described above may be appliedto all communications between originator or user and central controller200, including NDS(FDI)s 100 a and NDS(RFP)s 110 b, FDIs 130 a and RFPS130 b, user response 110 a, originator response 210 a, FDI transferagreement, license confirmation 120 a and 120 b, etc.

Anonymous Transactions Embodiment

As described herein, the present invention provides for the anonymity ofboth users and originators if desired. Anonymity is accomplished byeliminating all references to the names of the individuals or entitiesinvolved in all transactions. An originator, for example, would addoriginator's ID to an NDS(FDI) 100 a or FDI 130 a rather than addingoriginator's name, preventing a user browsing NDS(FDI)s 100 a fromdiscovering originator's identity. This may be desirable if originatoris a screenwriter, for instance, with a negative credit in hisportfolio. The FDI 130 a would be purchased, licensed or whatever bythe-user based entirely on the merit of the FDI 130 a and not theoriginator's experience or qualifications. In a similar manner, usersmay wish to keep their identity anonymous. A venture capitalist may notwant the originator of a business opportunity to know the identity ofthe venture capitalist because such knowledge would allow the originatorto assess previous investments of the venture capitalist or discover thetypical dollar amount invested by the venture capitalist.

In the user-driven embodiment, a user may wish to submit an RFP 130 banonymously so that originators with possible solutions can not disclosewho has a particular need, which information could signal trouble to theinvestment community or signal weakness to a competitor. Similarly, anoriginator may wish to remain anonymous. A screenwriter with a badcredit may wish to propose a screenplay for development by a user thathas posted an RFP 130 b. The screenwriter would prefer to have theproposed FDI 130 a be considered on the merit of the screenplay, not hisor her one bad credit.

Many methods for ensuring anonymity will be obvious to those skilled inthe art and need not be described herein. To enhance security, user andoriginator IDs may be encrypted with the public key of centralcontroller 200 to prevent unauthorized use.

In one embodiment of the present invention, central controller 200 isseparated into three distinct elements: operations server 2000, trustedserver 2010 and bonding agency 2020. Each server performs a distincttask in the process of managing NDS(FDI) 100 a, FDI 130 a, NDS(RFP) 100b, RFP 130 b, and other tasks. The separation makes it more difficultfor attackers to compromise the system. As indicated in FIG. 20, theseservers work in conjunction with user interface 300 and originatorinterface 400. Operations server 2000 has the task of posting NDS(FDI)s100 a or NDS(RFP)s 100 b, and accepts all transactions previouslyauthenticated by trusted server 2010. Trusted server 2010 authenticatesthe identity of users and originators, while bonding agency 2020verifies the ability of users to pay and the ability of originators todeliver the FDI 130 a or the rights to use the FDI 130 a. There are manynetwork configurations and software applications commercially availableto manage the trusted server embodiment described herein. It will beobvious to one skilled in the art that each server type may bedistributed over a number of servers.

Barter Embodiments

Not all transactions require the transfer of money from user tooriginator. In a barter transaction, the user may propose in the FDItransfer agreement to swap equity in user's entity or a new entityinstead of cash. For instance, if user is a venture capitalist, user maypropose establishing a company to exploit the business opportunityrepresented by originator's FDI 130 a. Alternatively, a user may proposeto employ originator or to perform services in exchange for the right touse originators FDI 130 a.

Arbitration Protocols

The previous embodiments have described the transfer of an FDI 130 a,RFP 130 b or execution of an FDI transfer agreement as the end of theprocess. In light of the fact that the present invention deals withideas and confidential information, disputes are inevitable. Disputesregarding misappropriation of trade secrets will be reduced whenutilizing the present invention as all communications and transactionsare stored in respective databases and electronic records of all suchactivities could be produced to help resolve disputes early on. Thepresent invention can support dispute resolution in two ways.

First, provisions can be part of the submission and license agreementsrequiring that both originator and user submit to binding arbitration ofall disputes, helping avoid more costly and time-consuming legalproceedings. A liquidated damages provision may also be included in thesubmission and license agreements to bring certainty to each party'spotential exposure.

Second, central controller 200 or a third-party may be designated asarbiter for each dispute. Such disputes can be resolved utilizingon-line arbitration provided by companies such as clicknsettle.com. Mostmisappropriation claims will be resolved on the basis of proof ofindependent creation or an independent source. Such disputes areparticularly suited for on-line arbitration because proof is often inthe form of documentary evidence rather than witness testimony. The timeand date of access to an FDI 130 a by an identifiable user or access toan RFP 130 b by an identifiable originator is maintained by centralcontroller 200 and is easily reproducible for use in the arbitrationprocess. Proof of an independent source would be particularly easy toprove if the transaction occurred using the present invention because arecord of that transaction would likewise be easily reproducible. Proofof independent creation, such as copyright filings or research notes,could be communicated to central controller 200 or all transaction datacould be sent to the third party arbiter outside the system.

Revenue Generation

The providers of the systems may derive revenue from originators andusers in a number of ways. In one embodiment, a percentage-basedcommission is charged on every innovation transfer transactionconsummated via the system. In another embodiment, originators pay aper-submission fee, or are charged a flat fee for any number of FDIssubmitted over a given period. In another embodiment, users are chargedan access fee per FDI accessed, or are charged a flat fee for any numberof FDIs accessed in a given period of time. In another embodiment, userspay the provider a license fee in exchange for the right to use thepresent invention for exclusive submissions. In another embodiment,advertisers pay to have messages displayed to originators and usersalike.

In another embodiment, content providers pay to provide relevantinformation to originators and users alike. Alternatively, the methodand apparatus of the present invention may be employed without a paymentfeature.

Applications of the Invention

In order to clarify the application of the present invention, thefollowing examples demonstrate potential needs of originators and usersand demonstrate the originator-driven component of the presentinvention:

FDI: Motion Picture Screenplay

An originator desires to submit an original screenplay to a potentialuser (i.e., movie studio) for review and consideration. The originatorlogs onto a web site (e.g., central controller 200) and inputsidentifying information and qualifications, attaches a text filecomprising the fully disclosed complete screenplay, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the screenplay, and clicks on the “submit”icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originatoragrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosedscreenplay is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis ismade available to the user via the World Wide Web (WWW). If the user isinterested in reviewing the entire screenplay, user clicks on the“access” icon. The user is then asked by the system to agree to theterms of a license agreement granting the user the right to review andconsider the originator's screenplay. If user agrees, user is grantedaccess to the entire screenplay for consideration pursuant to the termsof the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in furtheranalysis and/or in purchasing the screenplay for production, user pays anegotiated sum for the rights desired.

FDI: Business Opportunity

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a business plan,executive summary or business concept to a potential user (i.e.,individual or entity interested in reviewing business concepts) (e.g.,venture capitalist, angel investor, strategic partner, etc.) for reviewand consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., centralcontroller 200) and inputs identifying information and qualifications,attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio orvideo file comprising the fully disclosed complete business plan,creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the business plan, and clicks the“submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked bythe system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originatoragrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosedbusiness plan is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsisis made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to aplurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scrollthrough nondisclosing synopses of available business plans by categoryor may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available business plans. If a user isinterested in reviewing the entire business plan, user clicks on the“access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user isthen asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreementgranting the user the right to review and consider the originator'sbusiness plan. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive asdetermined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is grantedaccess to the entire business plan for consideration pursuant to theterms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested in furtheranalysis and/or in providing funding to the submitting originator, usercontacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., financing,joint venture, partnership, etc.).

FDI: Application Software

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a specification for anew software application (“spec”) to a potential user (i.e., individualor entity looking for new software applications) (e.g., software orother technology company, university, venture capitalist, entrepreneur,etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site(e.g., central controller 200) and inputs identifying information andqualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/oruploads the software program comprising the fully disclosed completespec, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the spec, and clicks the“submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked bythe system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originatoragrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosedspec is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality ofpotential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available specs by category or may utilize thesystem's search engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosingsynopses of available specs. If a user is interested in reviewing theentire spec, the user clicks on the “access” icon for the correspondingnondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree tothe terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to reviewand consider the originator's spec. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees,user is granted access to the entire spec for consideration pursuant tothe terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested infurther analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rightsto the spec, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., license, purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Book Manuscript

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a book manuscript to apotential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new bookmanuscripts) (e.g., publisher, university, literary agent, movie studio,etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site(e.g., central controller 200) and inputs identifying information andqualifications, attaches a text file or inputs free-form text comprisingthe fully disclosed complete book manuscript, creates a nondisclosingsynopsis of the book manuscript, and clicks the “submit” icon availableon the web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree tothe terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms ofthe submission agreement and the fully disclosed book manuscript isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality ofpotential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available book manuscripts by category or mayuitilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available book manuscripts. If a user isinterested in reviewing the entire book manuscript, the user clicks onthe “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The useris then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreementgranting the user the right to review and consider the originator's bookmanuscript. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determinedby the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access tothe entire book manuscript for consideration pursuant to the terms ofthe on-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysisand/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the bookmanuscript, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development,etc.).

FDI: Musical Composition

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a musical compositionto a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new musicalcompositions) (e.g., publisher, university, music agent, movie studio,record company, etc.) for review and consideration. The originator logsonto a web site (e.g., central controller 200) and inputs identifyinginformation and qualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-formtext, and/or uploads an audio or video file comprising the fullydisclosed complete musical composition, creates a nondisclosing synopsisof the musical composition, and clicks the “submit” icon available onthe web site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to theterms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed musical composition isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality ofpotential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available musical compositions by category ormay utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available musical compositions. If a user isinterested in reviewing the entire musical composition, user clicks onthe “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The useris then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreementgranting the user the right to review and consider the originator'smusical composition. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive asdetermined by the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is grantedaccess to the entire musical composition for consideration pursuant tothe terms of the on-line license agreement. If user is interested infurther analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rightsto the musical composition, user contacts originator to negotiate theterms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license,purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Toy Concept

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a toy concept to apotential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new toy concepts)(e.g., toy manufacturer, agent, marketing company, movie studio, etc.)for review and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g.,central controller 200) and inputs identifying information andqualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/oruploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosedcomplete toy concept, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the toyconcept, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of asubmission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submissionagreement and the fully disclosed toy concept is stored in a securedatabase. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intendedand identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users, via theWorld Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable toy concepts by category or may utilize the system's searchengine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of availabletoy concepts. If a user is interested in reviewing the entire toyconcept, the user clicks on the “access” icon for the correspondingnondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree tothe terms of a license agreement granting the user the right to reviewand consider the originator's toy concept. The license may be exclusiveor nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If useragrees, user is granted access to the entire toy concept forconsideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. Ifuser is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwiseacquiring the rights to the toy concept, user contacts originator tonegotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option,license, purchase, development,

FDI: Advertising Slogan

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed advertisingslogan to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for newadvertising slogans) (e.g., advertising agencies, agent, marketingcompany, movie studio, consulting company, publisher, etc.) for reviewand consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., centralcontroller 200) and inputs identifying information and qualifications,attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio,video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosed completeadvertising slogan, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the advertisingslogan, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of asubmission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submissionagreement and the fully disclosed advertising slogan is stored in asecure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to anintended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users,via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopsesof available advertising slogans by category or may utilize the system'ssearch engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses ofavailable advertising slogans. If a user is interested in reviewing theentire advertising slogan, user clicks on the “access” icon for thecorresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the userthe right to review and consider the originator's advertising slogan.The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by thesubmitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to theentire advertising slogan for consideration pursuant to the terms of theon-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysisand/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to theadvertising slogan, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms ofthe deal (e.g., publishing agreement, option, license, purchase,development, etc.).

FDI: Company Trade Name

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed companytrade name and/or logo to a potential user (i.e., individual or entitylooking for new trade names and/or logos) (e.g., advertising agency,public relations firm, agent, marketing company, movie studio, etc.) forreview and consideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g.,central controller 200) and inputs identifying information andqualifications, attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/oruploads an audio, video or graphics file comprising the fully disclosedcomplete trade name and/or logo, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of thetrade name and/or logo, and clicks the “submit” icon available on theweb site. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to theterms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed trade name and/or logo isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality ofpotential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available trade names and/or logos by categoryor may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available trade names and/or logos. If a useris interested in reviewing the entire trade name and/or logo, userclicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosingsynopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms ofa license agreement granting the user the right to review and considerthe originator's trade name and/or logo. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees,user is granted access to the entire trade name and/or logo forconsideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. Ifuser is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwiseacquiring the rights to the trade name and/or logo, user contactsoriginator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishingagreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Service Mark

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed service markto a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking for new servicemarks) (e.g. advertising agency, public relations firm, agent, marketingcompany, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. Theoriginator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller 200) andinputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file,inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics filecomprising the fully disclosed complete service mark, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the service mark, and clicks the “submit” iconavailable on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system toagree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to theterms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed service markis stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality ofpotential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available service marks by category or mayutilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available service marks. If a user isinterested in reviewing the entire service mark, the user clicks on the“access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user isthen asked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreementgranting the user the right to review and consider the originator'sservice mark. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determinedby the submitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access tothe entire service mark for consideration pursuant to the terms of theon-line license agreement. If user is interested in further analysisand/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the servicemark, user contacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g.,publishing agreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Product Trademark

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a proposed producttrademark to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking fornew trademarks) (e.g., advertising agency, public relations firm, agent,marketing company, movie studio, etc.) for review and consideration. Theoriginator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller 200) andinputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file,inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics filecomprising the fully disclosed complete trademark, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the trademark, and clicks the “submit” iconavailable on the web site. The originator is then asked by the system toagree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originator agrees to theterms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed trademark isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable user, or to a plurality ofpotential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available trademarks by category or mayutilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available trademarks. If a user is interestedin reviewing the entire trademark, user clicks on the “access” icon forthe corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the userthe right to review and consider the originator's trademark. The licensemay be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submittingoriginator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entiretrademark for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line licenseagreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or inpurchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the trademark, usercontacts originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishingagreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Chemical Composition

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a new chemicalcomposition to a potential user (i.e., individual or entity looking fornew chemical compositions) (e.g., chemical manufacturer, university,research entity, government agency, etc.) for review and consideration.The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller 200) andinputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file,inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio, video or graphics filecomprising the fully disclosed complete chemical composition, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the chemical composition, and clicks the“submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is then asked bythe system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. Originatoragrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosedchemical composition is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosingsynopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to aplurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scrollthrough nondisclosing synopses of available chemical compositions bycategory or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rankrelevant nondisclosing synopses of available chemical compositions. If auser is interested in reviewing the entire chemical composition, userclicks on the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosingsynopsis. The user is then asked by the system to agree to the terms ofa license agreement granting the user the right to review and considerthe originator's chemical composition. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator. If user agrees,user is granted access to the entire chemical composition forconsideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. Ifuser is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwiseacquiring the rights to the chemical composition, user contactsoriginator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., publishingagreement, option, license, purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Product Enhancement

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a specification for anew product enhancement (“spec”) to a potential user (i.e., individualor entity looking for new product enhancements) (e.g., software or othertechnology company, automobile manufacturer, university, venturecapitalist, entrepreneur, etc.) for review and consideration. Theoriginator logs onto a web site (e.g., central controller 200) andinputs identifying information and qualifications, attaches a text file,inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audio file, video file,graphics file or software program comprising the fully disclosedcomplete spec, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the spec, and clicksthe “submit” icon available on the web site. The originator is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement.Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fullydisclosed spec is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosingsynopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable user, or to aplurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. A user may scrollthrough nondisclosing synopses of available specs by category or mayutilize the-system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of available specs. If a user is interested inreviewing the entire spec, user clicks on the “access” icon for thecorresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the userthe right to review and consider the originator's spec. The license maybe exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submitting originator.If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire spec forconsideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. Ifuser is interested in further analysis and/or in purchasing or otherwiseacquiring the rights to the spec, user contacts originator to negotiatethe terms of the deal (e.g., license, purchase, development, etc.).

FDI: Electronic Game Concept

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a specification for anew electronic game concept (“spec”) to a potential user (i.e.,individual or entity looking for new electronic game concepts) (e.g.,software or other technology company, video game manufacturer,university, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, etc.) for review andconsideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., centralcontroller 200) and inputs identifying information and qualifications,attaches a text file, inputs free-form text, and/or uploads an audiofile, video file, graphics file or software program comprising the fullydisclosed complete spec, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the spec,and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. The originatoris then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submissionagreement. Originator agrees to the terms of the submission agreementand the fully disclosed spec is stored in a secure database. Thenondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiableuser, or to a plurality of potential users, via the World Wide Web. Auser may scroll through nondisclosing synopses of available specs bycategory or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rankrelevant nondisclosing synopses of available specs. If a user isinterested in reviewing the entire spec, user clicks on the “access”icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreementgranting the user the right to review and consider the originator'sspec. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by thesubmitting originator. If user agrees, user is granted access to theentire spec for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-linelicense agreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or inpurchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to the spec, user contactsoriginator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, purchase,development, etc.).

FDI: Grant Proposal Criteria

An originator desires to submit, confidentially (i.e., pursuant to aconfidentiality and nondisclosure agreement) or nonconfidentially (i.e.,no confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement), a grant proposal to apotential user (i.e., grant giver) (e.g., foundation, university,government agency, nonprofit organization, etc.) for review andconsideration. The originator logs onto a web site (e.g., centralcontroller 200) and inputs identifying information and qualifications,attaches a text file or inputs free-form text comprising the fullydisclosed complete grant proposal, creates a nondisclosing synopsis ofthe grant proposal, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the website. The originator is then asked by the system to agree to the termsof a submission agreement. Originator agrees to the terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed grant proposal is stored ina secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to anintended and identifiable user, or to a plurality of potential users,via the World Wide Web. A user may scroll through nondisclosing synopsesof available grant proposals by category or may utilize the system'ssearch engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses ofavailable grant proposals. If a user is interested in reviewing theentire grant proposal, user clicks on the “access” icon for thecorresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The user is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting the userthe right to review and consider the originator's grant proposal. Thelicense may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the submittingoriginator. If user agrees, user is granted access to the entire grantproposal for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line licenseagreement. If user is interested in further analysis and/or in providinga grant to the submitting originator, user contacts originator tonegotiate the terms of the grant.

The following examples demonstrate potential needs of users andrepresent the user-driven component of the present invention:

RFP: Motion Picture Screenplay

A user (i.e., movie studio, production company, Hollywood agency oragent) is seeking an original screenplay meeting defined developmentcriteria (e.g., drama, period piece, love story, etc.). Rather thancommission a screenwriter directly to write the original screenplaymeeting the development criteria, the user desires to submit,confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed screenplays(“open assignment”) globally to originators (e.g., screenwriters,Hollywood agents or managers, etc.) for his/her/their review andconsideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifyinginformation and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio,video or graphics file or inputs free-form text comprising the fullydisclosed open assignment, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the openassignment, and clicks the “submit” icon available on, the web site.User is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submissionagreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and thefully disclosed open assignment is stored in a secure database. Thenondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intended and identifiableoriginator, to a plurality of originators, or globally to potentialoriginators via the World Wide Web. An originator may scroll throughnondisclosing synopses of available open assignments by category or mayutilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of open assignments. If an originator isinterested in reviewing the entire open assignment, originator clicks onthe “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed open assignment. The license may beexclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. Iforiginator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire openassignment for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-linelicense agreement. If originator is interested in further analysis,originator contacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. Ifuser has agreed to receive proposed screenplays from originators, anoriginator may submit his/her/its screenplay as an FDI (fully disclosedidea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is thenable to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed screenplays ormay utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantscreenplays meeting the open assignment criteria, and access, pursuantto the terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposedscreenplays that the user determines warrant further consideration.Alternatively, proposed screenplays may be submitted directly to thesoliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in furtheranalysis and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to ascreenplay, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator tonegotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase,development, etc.).

RFP: Business Opportunity

A user (i.e., venture capital firm, angel investor, strategic partner,etc.) is seeking an original business plan or concept meeting definedinvestment and/or development criteria (e.g., wireless applicationsoftware, business-to-business chemical marketplace, etc.). The userdesires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request forproposed business plans or concepts (“RFP”) globally to originators(e.g., entrepreneurs, established companies, etc.) for his/her/theirreview and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputsidentifying information and specific development criteria, attaches atext, audio, video or graphics file or inputs free-form text comprisingthe fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP,and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement.User agrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosedRFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality oforiginators, or globally to potential originators via the World WideWeb. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an,originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting originator the right to review and considerthe fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive asdetermined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator isgranted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the termsof the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in furtheranalysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further duediligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed screenplays fromoriginators, an originator may submit his/her/its business plan orconcept as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner describedabove. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSessubmitted as proposed business plans or concepts or may utilize thesystem's search engine to identify and rank relevant business plans orconcepts meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms ofan on-line license agreement, only those proposed business plans orconcepts that the user determines warrant further consideration.Alternatively, proposed business plans or concepts may be submitteddirectly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested infurther analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiringthe rights to a business plan or concept, soliciting user contacts thesubmitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license,option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Application Software

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for a specific solution)(e.g., Internet company or other business entity, entrepreneur, etc.) isseeking a software application meeting defined development criteria(e.g., wireless application software, system architecture, etc.). Theuser desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a requestfor proposed software applications (“RFP”) globally to originators(e.g., entrepreneurs, established companies, software engineers, etc.)for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a web siteand inputs identifying information and specific development criteria,attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form textcomprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis ofthe RFP, and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User isthen asked by the system to agree to the terms of a submissionagreement. User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and thefully disclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosingsynopsis is made available to an intended and identifiable originator,to a plurality of originators, or globally to potential originators viathe World Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosingsynopses of available RFPs by category or may utilize the system'ssearch engine to identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses ofRFPs. If an originator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP,originator clicks on the “access” icon for the correspondingnondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked by the system toagree to the terms of a license agreement granting originator the rightto review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may beexclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. Iforiginator agrees, originator is granted access to the entire RFP forconsideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. Iforiginator is interested in further analysis, originator contacts thesoliciting user for further due diligence. If user has agreed to receiveproposed software applications from originators, an originator maysubmit his/her/its software application as an FDI (fully disclosed idea)in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is then able toscroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed software applications ormay utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantsoftware applications meeting the RFP criteria, and access, pursuant tothe terms of an on-line license agreement, only those proposed softwareapplications that the user determines warrant further consideration.Alternatively, proposed software applications may be submitted directlyto the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested in furtheranalysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring therights to a software application, soliciting user contacts thesubmitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license,option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Book Manuscript

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original bookmanuscripts) (e.g., publishing company, literary agent, etc.) is seekinga book manuscript meeting defined development criteria (e.g., lifestory, period piece, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentiallyor nonconfidentially, a request for proposed book manuscripts (“RFP”)globally to originators (e.g., writers, literary agents, publishers,etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logs onto a website and inputs identifying information and specific developmentcriteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, or inputsfree-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” iconavailable on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree tothe terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a securedatabase. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intendedand identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globallyto potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator mayscroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category ormay utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested inreviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for thecorresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked bythe system to agree to the terms of a license agreement grantingoriginator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. Thelicense may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the solicitinguser. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entireRFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line licenseagreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originatorcontacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user hasagreed to receive proposed book manuscripts from originators, anoriginator may submit his/her/its software book manuscript as an FDI(fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. Thesoliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted asproposed book manuscripts or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant book manuscripts meeting the RFP criteria,and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, onlythose proposed book manuscripts that the user determines warrant furtherconsideration. Alternatively, proposed book manuscripts may be submitteddirectly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested infurther analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiringthe rights to a book manuscript, soliciting user contacts the submittingoriginator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option,purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Musical Composition

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original musicalcompositions). (e.g., publishing company, literary agent, record,company, musician, etc.) is seeking a musical composition meetingdefined development criteria (e.g., rhythm, tempo, cadence, periodpiece, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentially ornonconfidentially, a request for proposed musical composition (“RFP”)globally to originators (e.g., songwriters, literary agents, publishers,record companies, musicians etc.) for his/her/their review andconsideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifyinginformation and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio,video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fullydisclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicksthe “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees tothe terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality oforiginators, or globally to potential originators via the World WideWeb. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees,originator is granted access to the entire RFP for considerationpursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator isinterested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting userfor further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposedmusical compositions from originators, an originator may submithis/her/its software musical composition as an FDI (fully disclosedidea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is thenable to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed musicalcompositions or may utilize the system's search engine to identify andrank relevant musical compositions meeting the RFP criteria, and access,pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only thoseproposed musical compositions that the user determines warrant furtherconsideration. Alternatively, proposed musical compositions may besubmitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user isinterested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to a musical composition, soliciting usercontacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, 4etc.).

RFP: Toy Concept

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original toy concepts)(e.g., toy developer, toy manufacturer, etc.) is seeking a toy conceptmeeting defined development criteria (e.g., age range, material, etc.).The user desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, arequest for proposed toy concepts (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g.,toy developers, toy manufacturers, inventors, etc.) for his/her/theirreview and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputsidentifying information and specific development criteria, attaches atext, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprisingthe fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP,and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement.User agrees to terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosedRFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality oforiginators, or globally to potential originators via the World WideWeb. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting originator the right to review and considerthe fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive or nonexclusive asdetermined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees, originator isgranted access to the entire RFP for consideration pursuant to the termsof the on-line license agreement. If originator is interested in furtheranalysis, originator contacts the soliciting user for further duediligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed toy concepts fromoriginators, an originator may submit his/her/its software toy conceptas an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. Thesoliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted asproposed toy concepts or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant toy concepts meeting the RFP criteria, andaccess, pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, onlythose proposed toy concepts that the user determines warrant furtherconsideration. Alternatively, proposed toy concepts may be submitteddirectly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user is interested infurther analysis, financing and/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiringthe rights to a toy concept, soliciting user contacts the submittingoriginator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option,purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Advertising Slogan

A user (e.g., ACE Hardware) desires implementation of a new nationaladvertising campaign. Rather than retain an advertising agency todevelop the campaign, the user desires to submit a request for proposedadvertising slogans directly to its consumers. The user logs onto a website and inputs identifying information and criteria, attaches a textfile comprising the fully disclosed need (e.g., description of productsor services to be marketed, desired length of slogan, etc.), creates anondisclosing synopsis of the need, and clicks on the “submit” iconavailable on the web site. The user is then asked by the system to agreeto the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed need is stored in a securedatabase. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available globally via theWorld Wide Web to a plurality of potential originators capable ofproposing slogans or directly to an intended and identifiable user. Ifan originator is interested in reviewing the entire fully disclosedneed, originator clicks on the “access” icon. The originator is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a license agreementgranting the user the right to review and consider the user's fullydisclosed need. If originator agrees, originator is granted access tothe entire need for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-linelicense agreement. If originator is interested in proposing a solutionto the user's need (e.g., a slogan such as “ACE is the place with thehelpful hardware man”) for use by the soliciting user, originatorsubmits the proposed solution as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in themanner described above. The soliciting user is then able to review allNDSes submitted as proposed solutions and to access, pursuant to anon-line license agreement, only those fully disclosed solutions whichthe user determines warrant further consideration. If soliciting useridentifies a slogan it wishes to use, user negotiates for the right touse the originator's proposed slogan. Terms are negotiated, payment issubmitted to originator, and user is granted the right to useoriginator's slogan according to the terms of a negotiated agreement.

RFP: Company Trade Name

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original company tradenames) (e.g., advertising agency, new business entity, existing company,etc.) is seeking a trade name meeting defined development criteria(e.g., descriptive, domain name, etc.). The user desires to submit,confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed trade names(“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., individuals, advertisingagencies, marketing professionals, etc.) for his/her/their review andconsideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifyinginformation and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio,video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fullydisclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicksthe “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees tothe terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality oforiginators, or globally to potential originators via the World WideWeb. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees,originator is granted access to the entire RFP for considerationpursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator isinterested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting userfor further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed tradenames from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its softwaretrade name as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner describedabove. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSessubmitted as proposed trade names or may utilize the system's searchengine to identify and rank relevant trade names meeting the RFPcriteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line licenseagreement, only those proposed trade names that the user determineswarrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed trade names maybe submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user isinterested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to a trade name, soliciting user contactsthe submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal (e.g.,license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Service Mark

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original service marks)(e.g., advertising agency, new business entity, existing company, etc.)is seeking a service mark meeting defined development criteria (e.g.,descriptive, domain name, etc.). The user desires to submit,confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed servicemarks (“RFP”) globally to a plurality of originators or directly to oneor more intended and identifiable originators (e.g., individuals,advertising agencies, marketing professionals, etc.) for his/her/theirreview and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputsidentifying information and specific development criteria, attaches atext, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprisingthe fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP,and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement.User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fullydisclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsisis made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to aplurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via theWorld Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopsesof available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engineto identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees,originator is granted access to the entire RFP for considerationpursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator isinterested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting userfor further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposedservice marks from originators, an originator may submit his/her/itsservice mark as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same mannerdescribed above. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through allNDSes submitted as proposed service marks or may utilize the system'ssearch engine to identify and rank relevant service marks meeting theRFP criteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line licenseagreement, only those proposed service marks that the user determineswarrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed service marks maybe submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user isinterested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to a service mark, soliciting usercontacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Product Trademark

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original producttrademarks) (e.g., advertising agency, new business entity, existingcompany, etc.) is seeking a product trademark meeting defineddevelopment criteria (e.g., descriptive, domain name, etc.). The userdesires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request forproposed product trademarks (“RFP”) globally to a plurality oforiginators or directly to one or more intended and identifiableoriginators (e.g., individuals, advertising agencies, marketingprofessionals, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. Userlogs onto a web site and inputs identifying information and specificdevelopment criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, orinputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” iconavailable on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree tothe terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to the terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a securedatabase. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intendedand identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globallyto potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator mayscroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category ormay utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested inreviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for thecorresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked bythe system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting theoriginator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. Thelicense may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the solicitinguser. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entireRFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line licenseagreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originatorcontacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user hasagreed to receive proposed product trademarks from originators, anoriginator may submit his/her/its product trademark as an FDI (fullydisclosed idea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting useris then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed producttrademarks or may utilize the system's search engine to identify andrank relevant product trademarks meeting the RFP criteria, and access,pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only thoseproposed product trademarks that the user determines warrant furtherconsideration. Alternatively, proposed product trademarks may be'submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user isinterested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to a product trademark, soliciting usercontacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Chemical Composition

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original chemicalcompositions) (e.g., chemical company, scientist, government researchentity, etc.) is seeking a chemical composition meeting defineddevelopment criteria (e.g., physical properties, odorless, etc.). Theuser desires to submit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a requestfor proposed chemical compositions (“RFP”) globally to originators(e.g., scientists, university professors, chemical developmentcompanies, etc.) for his/her/their review and consideration. User logsonto a web site and inputs identifying information and specificdevelopment criteria, attaches a text, audio, video or graphics file, orinputs free-form text comprising the fully disclosed RFP, creates anondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicks the “submit” iconavailable on the web site. User is then asked by the system to agree tothe terms of a submission agreement. User agrees to terms of thesubmission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP is stored in a securedatabase. The nondisclosing synopsis is made available to an intendedand identifiable originator, to a plurality of originators, or globallyto potential originators via the World Wide Web. An originator mayscroll through nondisclosing synopses of available RFPs by category ormay utilize the system's search engine to identify and rank relevantnondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If an originator is interested inreviewing the entire RFP, originator clicks on the “access” icon for thecorresponding nondisclosing synopsis. The originator is then asked bythe system to agree to the terms of a license agreement granting theoriginator the right to review and consider the fully disclosed RFP. Thelicense may be exclusive or nonexclusive as determined by the solicitinguser. If originator agrees, originator is granted access to the entireRFP for consideration pursuant to the terms of the on-line licenseagreement. If originator is interested in further analysis, originatorcontacts the soliciting user for further due diligence. If user hasagreed to receive proposed chemical compositions from originators, anoriginator may submit his/her/its software chemical composition as anFDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner described above. Thesoliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSes submitted asproposed chemical compositions or may utilize the system's search engineto identify and rank relevant chemical compositions meeting the RFPcriteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line licenseagreement, only those proposed chemical compositions that the userdetermines warrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposedchemical compositions may be submitted directly to the soliciting user.If the soliciting user is interested in further analysis, financingand/or in purchasing or otherwise acquiring the rights to a chemicalcomposition, soliciting user contacts the submitting originator tonegotiate the terms of the deal (e.g., license, option, purchase,investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Product Enhancement

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original productenhancements) (e.g., automobile manufacturer, consulting firm, etc.) isseeking a product enhancement meeting defined development criteria(e.g., lighter weight, greater strength, etc.). The user desires tosubmit, confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposedproduct enhancements (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., researchentities, inventors, scientists, etc.) for his/her/their review andconsideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifyinginformation and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio,video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fullydisclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicksthe “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees tothe terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality oforiginators, or globally to potential originators via the World WideWeb. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees,originator is granted access to the entire RFP for considerationpursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator isinterested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting userfor further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposedproduct enhancements from originators, an originator may submithis/her/its software product enhancement as an FDI (fully disclosedidea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is thenable to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed productenhancements or may utilize the system's search engine to identify andrank relevant product enhancements meeting the RFP criteria, and access,pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only thoseproposed product enhancements that the user determines warrant furtherconsideration. Alternatively, proposed product enhancements may besubmitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting user isinterested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to a product enhancement, soliciting usercontacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Electronic Game Concept

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original electronic gameconcepts) (e.g., game developer, game publisher, etc.) is seeking anelectronic game concept meeting defined development criteria (e.g.,character type, adventure, etc.). The user desires to submit,confidentially or nonconfidentially, a request for proposed electronicgame concepts (“RFP”) globally to originators (e.g., game developers,software engineers, game development companies, etc.) for his/her/theirreview and consideration. User logs onto a web site and inputsidentifying information and specific development criteria, attaches atext, audio, video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprisingthe fully disclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP,and clicks the “submit” icon available on the web site. User is thenasked by the system to agree to the terms of a submission agreement.User agrees to the terms of the submission agreement and the fullydisclosed RFP is stored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsisis made available to an intended and identifiable originator, to aplurality of originators, or globally to potential originators via theWorld Wide Web. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopsesof available RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engineto identify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees,originator is granted access to the entire RFP for considerationpursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator isinterested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting userfor further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposedelectronic game concepts from originators, an originator may submithis/her/its software electronic game concept as an FDI (fully disclosedidea) in the same manner described above. The soliciting user is thenable to scroll through all NDSes submitted as proposed electronic gameconcepts or may utilize the system's search engine to identify and rankrelevant electronic game concepts meeting the RFP criteria, and access,pursuant to the terms of an on-line license agreement, only thoseproposed electronic game concepts that the user determines warrantfurther consideration. Alternatively, proposed electronic game conceptsmay be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting useris interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to an electronic game concept, solicitinguser contacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of thedeal (e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

RFP: Grant Proposal

A user (i.e., individual or entity looking for original grant proposals)(e.g., foundation, university, government agency, nonprofitorganization, etc.) is seeking a grant proposal meeting defineddevelopment criteria (e.g., dollar amount of grant, medical research,community investment, etc.). The user desires to submit, confidentiallyor nonconfidentially, a request for proposed grant proposals (“RFP”)globally to a plurality of originators or directly to one or moreintended and identifiable originators (e.g., individuals, nonprofitorganizations, social entrepreneurs, etc.) for his/her/their review andconsideration. User logs onto a web site and inputs identifyinginformation and specific development criteria, attaches a text, audio,video or graphics file, or inputs free-form text comprising the fullydisclosed RFP, creates a nondisclosing synopsis of the RFP, and clicksthe “submit” icon available on the web site. User is then asked by thesystem to agree to the terms of a submission agreement. User agrees tothe terms of the submission agreement and the fully disclosed RFP isstored in a secure database. The nondisclosing synopsis is madeavailable to an intended and identifiable originator, to a plurality oforiginators, or globally to potential originators via the World WideWeb. An originator may scroll through nondisclosing synopses ofavailable RFPs by category or may utilize the system's search engine toidentify and rank relevant nondisclosing synopses of RFPs. If anoriginator is interested in reviewing the entire RFP, originator clickson the “access” icon for the corresponding nondisclosing synopsis. Theoriginator is then asked by the system to agree to the terms of alicense agreement granting the originator the right to review andconsider the fully disclosed RFP. The license may be exclusive ornonexclusive as determined by the soliciting user. If originator agrees,originator is granted access to the entire RFP for considerationpursuant to the terms of the on-line license agreement. If originator isinterested in further analysis, originator contacts the soliciting userfor further due diligence. If user has agreed to receive proposed grantproposals from originators, an originator may submit his/her/its grantproposal as an FDI (fully disclosed idea) in the same manner describedabove. The soliciting user is then able to scroll through all NDSessubmitted as proposed grant proposals or may utilize the system's searchengine to identify and rank relevant grant proposals meeting the RFPcriteria, and access, pursuant to the terms of an on-line licenseagreement, only those proposed grant proposals that the user determineswarrant further consideration. Alternatively, proposed grant proposalsmay be submitted directly to the soliciting user. If the soliciting useris interested in further analysis, financing and/or in purchasing orotherwise acquiring the rights to a grant proposal, soliciting usercontacts the submitting originator to negotiate the terms of the deal(e.g., license, option, purchase, investment, development, etc.).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention hasmany applications in all industry segments, and that the applicationsdisclosed herein are merely representative and not exhaustive. The scopeof the present invention incorporates known and anticipatedapplications, modifications and variations of and to the systemcomponents described herein, as would be known by those skilled in theart. The scope of this invention is defined by the following claims.

1. A method for using a computer to facilitate and control sequential access to a two-level information database created by inputs supplied by originators comprising: receiving and storing in the database a plurality of two-part descriptions each supplied by an originator, each two-part description including a nonconfidential first-level element in the form of a searchable and accessible basic description of an originator's idea, and a confidential second-level element in the form of a searchable, but nonaccessible detailed description of each originator's idea; permitting users to access, search, review and select without restriction, only the nonconfidential first-level elements of the stored two-part descriptions; subsequently providing selecting users with an option to access, search and review the confidential second-level elements of the stored two-part descriptions that correspond to the selected first-level elements by electronically submitting to each selecting user a license agreement including a confidentiality provision and other previously supplied licensing terms; receiving and storing in the computer an acceptance of the license agreement by each selecting user; and upon receipt of license acceptance, providing accepting users with unrestricted access on a confidential basis via the computer to the confidential second-level elements of the stored two-part descriptions corresponding to the selected first-level elements.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the license agreement is a limited duration, exclusive license, and including the further step of upon receiving license acceptance by one selecting user, subsequently restricting other users from accessing, searching, reviewing or selecting both the first-level element and the second-level element, of the two-part description selected by the licensed user for the duration of the term of the exclusive license.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the license agreement is a limited duration, exclusive license, and including the further step of providing an originator with the option of specifying license terms which permit users to continue to access, search, review and select the nonconfidential first-level element, but not the confidential second-level element, of a selected two-part description for the duration of the license term.
 4. The method of claim 3 including the further step of creating a queue of license accepting users seeking access to the selected, but license restricted second-level element.
 5. The method of claim 4 including the further step of establishing a priority status for each user in the queue according to the time of license acceptance, with an earlier license acceptance time having priority over a later license acceptance time.
 6. The method of claim 3 including the further step of permitting users to search and rank by relevancy without restriction the second-level elements of the database without permitting visual access to the second-level elements.
 7. The method of claim 1 including the further step of enabling each originator to review the identity of each license requesting user and to either accept or reject the license request by each user. 8-13. (canceled) 